Bright red flowers are not only the eye-catcher on runner beans, they are also where the name runner bean comes from. The annual runner bean is common in our country and is grown in the garden and on the balcony every year from May onwards. Here it grows up on trellises and at the same time serves as a flowering privacy screen.
How to plant runner beans correctly?
Planting fire beans starts in mid-May, either by direct sowing the seeds or by planting early plants. Choose a sunny, wind-protected location with well-loosened garden soil and provide climbing aids for growth.
What types of runner beans are there?
- red flowering varieties: Lady Di, Prize Winner, Butler, Golden Sunshine
- bicolor flowering variety: Painted Lady
- white flowering variety: White Giants
- low growing variety: Hestia
Where are runner beans grown?
Fire beans thrive in a sunny, wind-protected spot in the garden or on the balcony. A location in light partial shade is also possible. Especially on the balcony there must be space for a trellis where the tendrils can wind upwards.
What substrate do runner beans need?
Simple garden soil is sufficient for growing runner beans. It is important that the soil is loosened well, as runner beans have deep roots. By adding compost (€41.00 at Amazon) you ensure an adequate supply of nutrients.
When is planting time for runner beans?
The planting time for early runner beans begins in mid-May. The seeds are also sown directly into the bed or pot at this time.
What distance must be maintained when sowing and planting?
- between the trellises at least 40 to 50 cm
- A minimum distance of 1 meter is required between rows
When are runner beans ready to harvest?
Fire beans require approx. 10 weeks until the first harvest. As early as July, the pods are harvested as green beans with complete pods or as grain beans with ripe kernels. If the young beans are harvested regularly, they will bear fruit for a longer period of time.
Good and bad neighbors
- good neighbors: savory, cucumbers, potatoes, tomatoes, radishes, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, beetroot, strawberries, nasturtiums
- bad neighbors: leeks, garlic, onions, fennel
Tips & Tricks
Nurseries and seed mail order companies offer many rarities in addition to the conventional varieties. These include runner bean varieties such as “Magician”, “Golden Sunshine” and “Giant”. So just look for rarities, it's worth it!
