If you are a novice gardener looking to start your vegetable plot, runner beans are a good start. It is a wonderful crop for beginners because it is easy to plant and maintain. If you manage the right conditions, the plants will produce a glut of succulent pods that are delicious and nutritious.
Young and fresh runner beans have great flavor andtexture and are succulent. Apart from the ease of maintenance and taste, runner beans will liven up your garden with red, white, or bi-colored flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Here are some things you should know to grow runner beans.
What Are Runner Beans?
Runner beans are scientifically known as Cicer arietinum. They were discovered in Central America and are a member of the legume family, Fabaceae, like peas and lentils.
These beans are not fully hardy, so they should be planted in the spring after the threat of frost has passed or started indoors. They are a great addition to any garden.
They add interest to vegetable plots, large containers, and borders with intense red, white, or bi-colored, hermaphroditic flowers, and the heart-shaped leaves add a textural backdrop that complements any garden design. There are also dwarf varieties for small spaces and containers.
How Tall Do Runner Beans Grow
Runner beans are vining plants that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. They produce long, slender bean pods that grow up to 12 inches.
These plants will become extremely heavy when laden with pods once they mature. Therefore, they need support like a trellis or tepee that is sturdy enough to support these lanky beans. Netting is often used alongside the trellis and tepee to allow the vines to grow freely.
There are many varieties to choose from if you want to plant runner beans. All of them have unique characteristics. Here are some popular varieties:
1. Scarlet Emperor
Scarlet Emperor is the most popular variety of runner beans. They are easily identified by their large, showy, scarlet-orange flowers and long, slender green pods that reach 12 to 15 inches in length.
They are tender and delicious when harvested young for fresh eating or shelling but can also be allowed to mature and dry for long-term storage.
2. White Marconi
White macaroni produces long, slender white pods that reach 18 inches. They are mostly used in dishes to add visual interest.
These beans are tender with delicate, sweet flavor, making them ideal for fresh eating, either raw in salads or lightly cooked to retain their crispness. They are also stir-fried and steamed as side dishes.
3. Borlotto
Borlotto is a unique variety of runner beans. They have beautiful, variegated purple and cream-colored pods. The pods are flat and broad, and the beans inside are large and kidney-shaped.
These beans have a nutty, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness when cooked. They have a creamy texture that holds their shape well when cooked.
4. Enorma
Enorma is a high-yielding variety that produces bright green, slender round pods that can grow up to 20 inches. They have a meaty flavor, making them ideal for shelling.
How To Grow Runner Beans
The following information provides detailed instructions on how to grow runner beans.
When to Grow Runner Beans
Runner beans are a warm-season crop, meaning most of their growth happens during warmer months, like spring or summer. They should ideally be planted in the spring when the soil temperature is at least 65°F (18°C). But they can also be planted during very mild winters and early springs in some regions.
These beans are sensitive to frost, so avoid planting them when there is a chance of frost in the forecast, as they will die. If you live in a colder area with a short growing season, you can start your plants indoors around four to six weeks before your area's projected last spring frost date.
Where to Grow Runner Beans
The location of your runner beans plays a role in the crop yield of your beans. Therefore, you should select a site ideal for the runner beans plant.
They could be planted in a sunny spot in your vegetable patch or raised beds with well-draining, fertile soil.
If you have limited space, you can grow runner beans in large pots or containers on a balcony or patio. Ensure the container is big enough for the beans to grow freely and provide proper drainage.
Avoid areas with full shade as the beans will not flower or produce well without sufficient sunlight, and ensure your plant is not exposed to strong winds as it can damage it.
Runner beans are harvestable in 60 to 75 days after planting. Their seeds do not require any treatment before sowing.
To grow runner beans from seeds, you can sow them directly into the garden soil or start indoors in pots and transplant them into the garden once the soil temperature is ideal.
Direct sowing
Before sowing the seeds, prepare your soil.
Dig the area thoroughly to remove weeds, roots, and stones. Add a generous amount of well-rotted garden compost or manure.
Also, ensure the soil is well-draining. Waterlogged soil can affect growth.
Sow two seeds per spot so you have a replacement if one fails to germinate.
Seeds should be planted around inches deep and 6 inches apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart.
Runner Beans grow tall and need tall stakes to grow up.
Use bamboo canes to sink firmly into the ground, angle inwards together, and tie securely at the top.
Place another cane horizontally along the top and tie this cane in as well. This will provide structure to prevent the beans from being blown over.
Water them thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist.
Seeds should germinate within a week.
Starting Indoor
If you live in a cold area with a short growing season, you can get a head start on your runner bean plants.
By sowing indoors first, you might get better germination and an earlier crop of beans. This will also protect young plants from slugs and snails. Ensure you start the seeds about four weeks before the last anticipated frost date.
Before planting the seeds, ensure you have the right kind of pots. Choose small pots or trays of deep modules so that seedlings can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance.
Fill your pot or tray with moist multi-purpose compost.
Sow two seeds into the center, 2 inches deep, and water well.
Place them near a window with direct sunlight at over 54°F.
Seeds will sprout in a week and need water regularly.
Seedlings can be moved outside once all risk of frost has passed. Do not put off translating for too long, as the roots can get tangled.
Before translating, harden off the plants.
To harden off, expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions for increasing lengths of time over a week.
Container Growing
Growing runner beans in pots is ideal when you do not have space or have chosen to grow a dwarf variety.
If you have selected a dwarf variety of runner bean like 'Hestia,' you can cultivate them in a large container with a diameter of at least 45cm or a deep window box, as they only reach about half a meter in height.
Ensure the compost is very rich, or add some extra organic matter like horse manure to the bottom of the container.
If you do not have space, you need to grow your runner plants in large containers because they grow up to 10 feet.
Ideally, choose a container at least 30 inches wide and 18 inches deep and ensure there are drainage holes. Add a thick layer of mulch to the compost surface to retain moisture, and on hot days, provide the plant with afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
Below are some important conditions you have to maintain to grow your runner beans well.
Light
Runner beans need full sun or at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. This is crucial for healthy growth and development.
They might need afternoon shade when the weather is too hot. However, do not plant or keep them in areas with significant shades. If not, they may become leggy as they try to reach for more light.
Soil
Runner beans thrive in well-draining, fertile soil, and the pH level should be neutral to slightly alkaline, ideally between 7.0 and 8.0 pH range. If your soil pH falls outside this range, consider a soil test to find a suitable solution.
Avoid waterlogged soil, as it can cause root problems and stunted growth. If the soil is of low quality, amend it with compost, aged manure, or other organic matter before planting.
You can also use a fertilizer according to package instructions during the growing season if needed.
Water
Runner beans are thirsty plants and, therefore, need water regularly.
When you water them adequately during their seedling stage, they have a strong foundation for healthy growth. Once they mature, give them about half a watering can per plant weekly, especially during dry weather or if growing in a container.
However, if your plant is growing in rich soil full of organic matter, you might not need water as much as the soil will retain the water.
If you are unsure about the water requirements, check the soil moisture regularly. Stick your finger a few inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering, as this can cause rust.
Temperature and Humidity
The optimal temperature range for these plants is between 70-80°F (21-27°C). They cannot withstand excessively hot temperatures above 90°F or 32°C or cold temperatures below 50°F.
These plants also need moderate humidity and good air circulation. If not, the plants will be affected by fungal diseases. Fungal diseases can reduce crop yield and kill the plants.
Runner beans are not heavy feeders as their roots can process nitrogen in the air and use it for their benefit. If you have incorporated fertilizers during planting, additional fertilization is unnecessary. The existing nutrients in the soil might be sufficient.
If you have not used fertilizers during planting, you can use them after 4 to 6 weeks of planting the beans. Consider using organic fertilizers like compost, aged manure, or balanced fertilizer.
You should also look for signs of nutrient deficiency, such as stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or poor flowering. In these situations, your plants need feeding.
Runner Beans Plant Care
Pruning runner beans is not essential, but they can benefit the plants. Once climbing beans reach the top of their supports, pinch off the topmost growing tip of the vines.
This prevents the plants from becoming top-heavy and encourages side shoots. This will lead to an earlier and more concentrated harvest.
Light pruning can improve air circulation if foliage is dense, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Inspect for weeds as well and remove them as they can damage the plants.
Pests and Diseases
Runner beans are usually not susceptible to major pest problems or diseases. They might encounter common pests like aphids, beetles, and slugs. These insects can be removed with a strong blast of water from a garden hose, neem oil, or homemade soap solutions.
Some common diseases that could affect your plant are fungal diseases like blight, powdery mildew, and mosaic virus. They cause the yellow leaves with brown spots and discoloration on the stems.
These diseases are caused by overhead watering, poor air circulation, and waterlogged soil. Soak the roots and avoid getting the leaves wet when watering your plants. If the soil is waterlogged, you should create drainage channels or incorporate coarse sand, perlite, or composted bark.
The whole point of growing runner beans is to harvest them and include them in your meals. Harvesting these beans too early or too late can make a difference in their taste and texture.
Runner beans are ready to harvest 12 to 16 weeks after sowing. The seeds inside the pod should not be showing through, and the bean pod should be 15-20cm long. The beans should snap off easily at the stem. You can use your hand or scissors for this.
Harvest regularly throughout the growing season, ideally every two to three days, so plants can produce more pods than seeds.
