Runner Bean
Phaseolus coccineus
With their scarlet flowers and vigorous climbing habit, runner beans are as ornamental as they are productive. A classic British allotment plant that rewards little effort with enormous crops.
SowingBoth methods
Sunlight☀️ Full sun
Water💧💧💧 High
Days to harvest60–70
Soil pH6–7
Spacing30cm × 60cm
Planting Calendar
🌏 Adjusted for southern hemisphere seasons.
Sow indoorsSow outdoorsTransplantHarvest
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Preparing the Bean Trench
In autumn, dig a trench 30cm deep and fill with kitchen scraps, compost, or well-rotted manure through winter. By spring you'll have a perfect moisture-retaining, nutrient-rich bed.Structure
Erect a sturdy structure of canes (2.4m minimum) in a double row or wigwam before planting. Runner beans are vigorous and heavy — the support must be strong.Sowing
Sow in pots indoors in April/May, or direct into warm soil from late May. Sow 5cm deep, two seeds per station. Nip out the weaker seedling when established.Soil: Rich, deeply-dug soil with plenty of organic matter and good moisture retention