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Member since:11.12.2005
Reviews:41
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Runner beans are perennial climbers that we grow as annuals in temperate and cool climates. Plants grow to over 3m (10ft) tall, with a spread of about 30cm (12in); some naturally dwarf cultivars form bushes about 38cm (15in) tall. They have pink, red, white, or bicoloured flowers.
The flat pods, over 25cm (10in) long and up to 2cm (3/4in) wide, are eaten cooked; immature seeds and mature, dried seeds may also be cooked. With some cultivars, it may be necessary to remove the "strings" along the pods.
Scarlet runner beans are a temperate or cool-season crop that does not withstand frost. Plants need a growing season of about 100 frost-free days and they grow best at 14 - 29 degrees celsius (57 - 84 degrees fahrenheit). At higher temperatures, especially if combines with high humidity, the pods may not set unless the plants are in light shade. In cool climates, choose a sheltered situation to encourage pollinating insects. Plants are deep-rooting and need fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Prepare the soil by digging a trench one spade deep and 60cm (24in) wide, working in well-rotted straw or compost. Runner bean crops should be rotated, and need low nitrogen levels.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOWING AND PLANTING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before planting climbing types, erect a strong support system of poles or canes over 2.5m (8ft) long, tied to a horizontal pole or to each other to form a "wigwam". Commercial supports or towers are available. Plants may also be twisted up nylon netting, strings, or wires pegged to the ground; do not use plastic-coated netting since the plants do not cling onto it. Sow seed in situ 5cm (2in) deep, after all risk of frost has passed bearing in mind that a minimum soil temperature of 12 degrees celsius (54 degrees fahrenheit) is needed for germination. In cool areas, sow seed indoors in seed trays and harden off seedlings before transplanting outside. Grow climbers in double rows 60cm (2ft) apart or in circular "wigwams", spacing the plants 15cm (6in) apart. Bush forms may be grown in groups at the same spacing. Mulch well to retain moisture after germination or planting out.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ROUTINE CULTIVATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protect seedlings with cloches or floating mulches. To convert climbing forms into bushes, nip out the growing shoots when plants are 23cm (9in) high. Such plants crop earlier but have lower yields.
Watering is especially important when the flower buds appear and pods are setting. At these times water at a rate of 5 - 11 littres/sq m (1 - 2 gallons/sq yd) twice a week.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BUGS AND DISEASES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Slugs in the early stages, pollen beatles bean seed flies anthracnose foot and root rots halo blight seedling blight and viruses may be troublesome.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECOMMENDED RUNNER BEANS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- STANDARD Crusader Enorma Liberty
DWARF Gulliver Hammond's Dwarf Scarlet Pickwick
STRINGLESS Desiree Polestar Red Knight
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- HARVESTING AND STORING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harvest after 13 - 17 weeks. Pick pods when they are at least 17cm (7in) long and tender; continue picking to prolong the cropping period. Runner beans freeze well.
My personal favourites are "Enorma" and I grow these every year very successfully. Always ensure though, that you rotate your beans to a different location each year to prevent nutrient deficiencies and bug and disease build ups.
Thank you for reading.
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COOL!!! I love the names some of them have :-) Desiree, Polestar, Red Knight.... fabby!! x x x
motherjoanb 27.01.2006 02:31
Now these I can grow in my yard, I set them in large tubs with wigwam canes. I also grow my tomatoes in tubs and hanging baskets. Thank you for the information as it will help me to grow a better crop. Brilliant review. Joan x
Jan 23rd, 2006
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