Growing Runner Beans

Runner beans can be grown outside or under cover, but they should be regarded as half-hardy and they do well in greenhouses and polytunnels. They are mostly climbing plants but some dwarf varieties have been introduced. Runner bean pods grow in a variety of green colours, and seeds can be white, green or purple. Their bright red flowers are always an attraction and give them their name 'Scarlet' runners.

A number of stringless varieties are now available, but older types are regarded as having generally better pod quality and will be stringless anyway if picked young before the seed begin to harden in the pods. Early picking encourages more beans to form and does not result in a loss of crop.

Runner beans can be sown under cover in April or outside in May or even later. It is best not to push them on too early because even if they begin well the beans can often fail to germinate until the weather is really warm. The plants need to be in good fertile soil and not allowed to dry out if the weather is dry. They are often grown up 8 ft. canes tied at the top in rows or 'wigwam' fashion.

 The frame needs to be made strong enough to withstand a full crop on a wet and windy day. If they are pinched out when they reach the top of the canes, they will send out side-shoots lower down and help to balance the weight. Greenhouse beans grow well up strings, but need to be pinched out before they begin to obscure the light from the roof. Runners are usually a healthy plant, any blackfly seen are often a sign of overfeeding or underwatering.

Runners are almost always eaten in the pod, older seed can be saved for growing future crops. They are best eaten as soon as they are picked. Young pods can be eaten raw and make a very good addition to a salad. For storage, pick young beans, top, tail and slice them immediately then freeze them laid flat in freezer bags. If they are dealt with as soon as they are picked, blanching will not be necessary. Defrosted runners need very little cooking, just bring them up to the boil for a few seconds. About 45-50 varieties of Runner Beans are available, the oldest variety is the still popular 'Painted Lady' first grown in UK in 1633.

Recipe:

Chinese style stir fry vegetables

A tasty treat: Chop tender runner or french bean pods with mushrooms, carrots, beansprouts, celery, broccoli, peppers etc. Stir fry with sesame oil, salt, ground ginger soy sauce and cornflour for 3 mins. Serve fresh.

 

Reproduced courtesy of Alan Gould at Expert Gardener.  Alan will be happy to hear your comments or gardening queries.

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