Vegetables
Runner Bean 'Firestorm'
Phaseolus coccineus
Grow this vigorous climber up wigwams not just in the vegetable plot but in the flower border or even in large pots or containers. The beautiful, vibrant scarlet flowers are edible and set even when the summers are hot and dry, giving you bumper crops of smooth, stringless runner beans.
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 50cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow inside Apr-May, 5cm deep in pots of moist seed compost. Germinates at temperatures 18-20°C. Once germinated, grow seedlings on in cool temperatures. Once the risk of frost has passed, acclimatise the young plants, before planting them in rich, fertile soil with support for climbing. Sow directly outside from May-Jul, 5cm deep, 30cm apart.
Aftercare
When runner beans reach the top of the support, pinch out the top. This will encourage side shoots. Pick continuously to prolong cropping.
Gallery
Ref. SER025