Runner beans are one of the most productive vegetables you can grow. A single row can keep a family supplied all summer, and the plants look attractive too with their red, white or bi-coloured flowers.
When to sow
- Indoors: Late April to early May. Sow in pots and plant out after the last frost.
- Outdoors: Late May to early June, when the soil has warmed up and frost risk has passed.
Runner beans are tender and will not survive frost. Do not be tempted to plant out too early.
Preparing the ground
Runner beans are hungry plants. Prepare the soil well:
- Dig a trench 30cm deep and wide.
- Fill with well-rotted manure or compost.
- Cover with soil and leave to settle for a few weeks before planting.
Alternatively, dig in plenty of compost when planting.
Building supports
Runner beans grow 2-3 metres tall and need strong supports. Options include:
- Wigwam: 6-8 canes tied together at the top. Good for small spaces.
- Double row: Two rows of canes 45cm apart, crossed at the top and tied to a horizontal pole.
- Netting: Strong netting stretched between posts.
Put supports in place before planting so you do not disturb the roots later.
Sowing and planting
- Sow seeds 5cm deep, one per pot if starting indoors.
- Plant out or sow directly at the base of each cane.
- Space plants 15-20cm apart.
- Water well after planting.
Care during the season
- Watering: Keep well-watered, especially once flowering starts. Dry conditions cause flowers to drop without setting beans.
- Mulching: A thick mulch helps retain moisture.
- Pinching out: When plants reach the top of the supports, pinch out the growing tips.
- Feeding: A weekly feed with tomato fertiliser once flowering starts boosts yields.
Harvesting
Pick beans when they are 15-20cm long, before the beans inside become visible through the pod. Regular picking encourages more beans to form.
Check plants every 2-3 days during peak season. Beans left too long become tough and stringy, and the plant stops producing.
Common problems
- Flowers dropping: Usually caused by dry conditions or lack of pollinating insects. Water regularly and avoid pesticides.
- Blackfly: Pinch out the growing tips where blackfly congregate. Spray with soapy water if severe.
- Slugs: Protect young plants with barriers or pellets.
Recommended varieties
- Scarlet Emperor: Classic red-flowered variety, reliable and heavy cropping.
- Painted Lady: Attractive red and white flowers.
- White Lady: White flowers, said to set better in hot weather.
- Firestorm: Self-fertile, good for areas with few pollinators.
Freeze surplus beans by slicing and blanching for 2 minutes. They keep well for months and taste far better than shop-bought frozen beans.
Written by the Hedge Cutting Staffordshire team
Professional Gardener & Founder
Dave has over 15 years of experience in garden maintenance across Staffordshire. He founded Hedge Cutting Staffordshire in 2009 and has helped hundreds of homeowners create and maintain beautiful gardens. When he's not out trimming hedges or advising clients, he's testing the latest garden tools and sharing practical tips on this blog.
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