Runner beans are tender perennial, usually grown as an annual. A prolific cropper with attractive flowers and long rough pods that are eaten young, well before seeds develop. Runner beans are easy to grow, most climb to 10ft (3m) or so, making a useful and attractive screen, if grown in a row or teepee. They produce a tuber, which can be stored over winter (or may survive in light soil) to produce plants next season. These may be less vigorous than plants grown from seed.

Crop Diversity- Flowers can be scarlet, white or bi-colored, or salmon colored. Pods are always green, but seeds may be white, black, or purple-speckled. Dwarf cultivars grow to about 15in (38cm) are available. Organic and heirloom cultivars are easy to obtain.

Ideal Site- Runner beans prefer a sheltered, sunny, moisture-retentive soil to allow deep rooting. Dwarf cultivars can be grown in containers. If possible grow on soil improved by a previous crop. When necessary apply a low-fertility soil improver to ensure a good water supply or grow on a compost trench. The ideal soil pH 6.5

Seed to Harvest- 12-16 weeks

Cultivation- The minimum germination temperature for runner beans is 54F (12C). Undercover: Sow in May in deep trays, biodegradable tube pots or root trainers. Transplant after last frost in warm soil. Outside: Station sow 2 seeds per station, from late May to early July once the soil has warmed up, a second sowing for a latter crop is worthwhile.

Spacing- Rows: In double rows- 6in x 2 ft (15 x 60cm) or up a cane teepee. Bush varieties: 6 in x 2ft (15 x 60cm). Block Planting: dwarf cultivars only, 12in (30cm)

 

Plant Care- Runner beans need a strong framework of 8ft (2.5m) Bamboo Poles to support the fully-grown plants and their crop. Mulch well once plants are established. Water regularly during dry weather once the first flowers buds appear to encourage more flowers. The flowers must be pollinated to produce pods.

Problems- Birds, slugs, root aphids, bean seed fly, root rot, halo blight, Poor pod/fruit set.

Harvesting- Pick pods 7in (17cm) or so in length. Regular picking encourages more pods to form.

Nutrients- Runner beans, while quite low in calories (just 43.75 calories in a whole cup), are loaded with enough nutrients. Runner beans are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Plus green beans are very good source of vitamin A (notably through their concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene), dietary fiber, potassium, folate, and iron. And, green beans are a good source of magnesium, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, phosphorus, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and niacin.