How to Grow Runner Beans

Category: 

Fruit (legume)

Planting Time:

Mid to late Spring

Harvest Time:

Approx 12 - 16 weeks

Difficulty:

Easy

Planting & Care Instructions:

    Runner beans can be sowed indoors from mid Spring, or direct outdoors from late Spring to early Summer
    For cell trays or pots, add compost and create large holes at least 2-3 inches deep in each cell or pot
    Sow 2-3 seeds per cell or pot and cover with compost, pat down to firm and water
    After about 5 weeks the seedlings will be ready to transplant outside
    First create a Tipi shaped structure of bamboo canes roughly 6 ft tall each, tying the top together using twine
    For every vertical cane, plant a runner bean seedling
    Canes can also be planted in rows with a horizontal cross beam using a long bamboo cane or another piece of lightweight timber
    Give the seedlings a generous watering once planted to settle the soil
    Hand weed the area and continue to water during dry spells. The plants will climb up the bamboo canes without any intervention
    For each crimson red flowers that appear, a runner bean pod will emerge shortly after (approx. 2 weeks)
How to Grow Runner Beans