Runner Bean Summer Medley
Runner Beans are a familiar sight in the vegetable plot, but have you ever tried growing them in your flower borders? With their handsome, large leaves and pretty summer blooms they are perfect for training over a large obelisk or pergola!
Runner Bean 'Summer Flowered Mixed' brings together a lovely blend of 3 varieties, chosen for their different flower colours and abundant crops. The red flowers of ‘Lady Di’, blend harmoniously with the white blooms of ‘Desiree’. For extra ornamental value we’ve included the unusual pink flowered variety ‘Celebration’. Height: 3m (10’). Spread: 30cm (12").
Sow runner bean seed indoors from mid April for transplanting later on, or direct sow outdoors from late May to July.
Indoors, sow seed at a depth of 5cm (2") in 7.5cm (3") pots or trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) until germination which takes 7-10 days. Once germinated, grow runner beans on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and runner bean plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting runner beans outdoors in rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun or semi shade with protection from strong winds. Avoid freshly manured soil which will promote lush foliage instead of beans.
Alternatively direct sow runner beans outdoors at a depth of 5cm (2") and a distance of 30cm (12") apart. Plant runner beans in rows that are 1.5m (5') apart, or where space is limited, grow beans onto a wigwam structure. Runner beans require support from garden canes, strings or netting which should be put in place at the time of planting.
When growing runner beans provide a thick mulch of organic matter around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Water runner beans regularly, particularly as the flowers develop, and provide a liquid feed every 14 days during mid-summer. Pinch out the tips of the beans when they reach the top of their supports. Beans can be harvested from July onwards. Pick the beans regularly and a little on the young side to ensure top quality and prolonged cropping. Culinary note: Suitable for freezing. Caution: Cook runner beans before eating to avoid discomfort.