At a Glance
- Variety:Runner Beans
New French-Runner cross breeding.
Attractive red & pink flowers.
Prolific cropper.
Sowing Time
Indoors: April – May
Outdoors: May – June
Sowing Indoors
Sow individual seeds in 8cm (3in) pots of seed and potting compost. Keep the pots in a frost free greenhouse. Ensure the compost remains moist at all times, but not saturated. Gradually accustom the young plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting them out to their cropping positions from late May onwards, when the danger of frost has passed. Ensure supports are in place before planting out. Allow 30cm (12in) between plants in the row.
Sowing Outdoors
Alternatively, directly sow runner beans outdoors at a depth of 5cm (2in) deep and 20cm (8in) apart. Leave 45cm (18in) between each double row, or plant round a wigwam of canes. Runner beans require support and it is best to have this in place before you sow.
Support
As runner beans climb, they will need support. A frame of canes and strong netting is ideal, or the beans can be grown up wigwams of sticks or canes, where they become a decorative feature in the garden. Ensure any structure is at least 180cm (6ft) high. Plants will climb and twine naturally as they grow.
Aftercare
Runner beans require plenty of water to produce a good crop. Water generously in dry spells. When plants are in full flower, an occasional mid-day spraying with a fine hose encourages flower set and bean production. Climbing French beans are generally disease and trouble free. They thrive in a sunny position which is not exposed to cold winds.
Harvest
August – September. Pick the beans when they are young and tender. This encourages plants to remain productive for longer.
Freezing
Runner beans freeze well. Simply slice, blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two, drain, allow to cool, then bag them for the freezer.
