Latin Name: Phaseolus coccineus
Main Uses: Beautiful edible

Days to Maturity: 65 days to maturity
Exposure: Full sun
Height: Pole Habit, 3 - 4 meters (4 - 10 ft)
Flower Color: Bicolour: Orange and Red
Flowering Time: July - August

Germination: 7 - 14 days.
Outdoors: Direct seed once the risk of frost has passed. Runner beans can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures than snap and pole beans. Choose well-drained soil with average fertility. Amend the garden bed with quality compost such as Sea Soil.
Planting Depth: 1”.
Spacing: Sow seeds 4 - 6” apart in rows 18” apart. Thin to 6” apart once the first true set of leaves has developed. If you are planting around a pole, sow 8 - 10 seeds per pole and thin to 3 - 4 plants per pole.
Indoors: Start seeds 3 - 4 weeks before the last frost date. For best results, fertilize from first watering with a kelp-based fertilizer such as Sea Magic™
Planting Out: Plant hardened-off seedlings in well-drained fertile soil once the risk of frost has passed.

Growing: Runner beans require a sturdy trellis or pole to accommodate their vining habit.

Watering (Garden): Water regularly to ensure flowering. Sufficient water is a must during flowering and pod set. Mulching at the base will help prevent moisture loss.

Fertilizing (Garden): Amend beds with quality compost such as Sea Soil. No further fertilizing is required.

Growing in Containers: May be grown in raised beds or very large planters, such as barrels. Provide a trellis or pole.

Watering (Containers): Water regularly as the top of the soil dries out to the touch. Sufficient water is a must during flowering and pod set.

Fertilizing (Containers): Fertilize containers regularly with organic plant food. Jobes organic spikes are easy to use and effective!

Garden Companions: Beets, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, corn, eggplant, potato, radishes, kale, lettuce, peas, potatoes, Swiss chard, and strawberry.
Plants to Avoid: All members of the allium family (onions, leeks, garlic, scallions) and Kohlrabi inhibit growth in beans. Sunflowers will compete for light.

Pest/Disease Issues: Aphids can be washed off plants with a hard stream of water.

Harvesting: Runner beans can be eaten when young and tender. Harvest pods when they are 8” long and pick them every few days to ensure tenderness.

Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.