Runner Bean
Phaseolus coccineus
Also known as
Scarlet Runner Bean, Dutch Case-Knife Bean, Multiflora Bean, Bean
Phaseolus coccineus flores by EvaK (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H6-H1c
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
3m | Max | 50cm |
1m | Min | 20cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Runner Bean
Runner Bean Overview
The Runner Bean is similar to the common bean but differs in the way that it is a perennial that has fleshy rhizome roots. However, because it is frost tender it is often grown like an annual in the UK. Fast growing with striking scarlet flowers this plant is as much of an ornamental as it is a vegetable crop.
Common problems with Runner Bean
Runner Bean Companion Plants
How to harvest Runner Bean
Harvest the immature green pods can be harvested from the plant by cutting them from the stem. Continuous harvesting encourages higher yields.
How to propagate Runner Bean
Seed
Can be sown indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost in Spring or outside after the last frost. Plants will need staking or framework to climb once germinated. Sow 15-20cm apart.
Rhizomes
Rhizomes can be divided to propagate the plant during the spring in warm climates.
Special features of Runner Bean
Attracts butterflies
Attracts bees
Attractive flowers
Bright scarlet flowers stand out against the lush green foliage.
Crop rotation
Runner Beans are legumes and so they enrich the soil with Nitrogen.
Other uses of Runner Bean
Cultivated worldwide for their beans
Edible
The immature bean pods can be used as a cooked vegetable.
Edible to Sow Under Cover in May
Successional sow small batches on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator, ready to plant out later in the month.
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