| Annual or perennial | Annual (climbing) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Height | 2-3m on a support |
| Spacing | 20-30cm |
| Harvest window | August to October |
Runner beans are the spectacular, dramatic end of the bean family – enormous plants climbing to 3 metres, with vivid scarlet or white flowers that are beautiful in their own right, followed by long, flat, meaty pods. They are one of the most productive crops per square metre you can grow.
Which variety to grow
‘Painted Lady’ is a classic with bicoloured red and white flowers – beautiful and productive. ‘Enorma’ and ‘Prizewinner’ produce very long pods. ‘White Apollo’ and ‘White Lady’ have white flowers and a slightly finer flavour that some prefer. ‘Hestia’ is a dwarf variety (45cm) that can be grown in containers without a frame – genuinely good for small spaces. All runner beans are essentially interchangeable in the kitchen.
When to plant
Sow indoors in April-May for planting out after the last frost (late May in Alsace), or direct sow outdoors from late May. Runner beans are sensitive to cold – do not plant out until nights are reliably above 10 degrees. Erect the support structure before planting.
How many to grow
A wigwam or a 2m double row of runner beans is genuinely more than enough for a family. Runner beans produce enormously – 10 plants will give you more beans than you can eat in season, with plenty to freeze.
Conditions it needs
- Sunlight: Full sun to light shade.
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
- Support: A wigwam of poles or a double row of 2.5m canes is essential.
Container growing
Dwarf ‘Hestia’ is the only runner bean genuinely suited to containers. Standard varieties are too vigorous and tall. Use the largest container you have (50+ litres) if attempting climbing types and accept a reduced yield.
How to care for it
Water generously and consistently – runner beans are very thirsty. Mulch around the base. Pinch out the top when plants reach the top of their support (usually 2-2.5m). Feed with a balanced fertiliser every two weeks once flowering starts. Harvest every 2-3 days – critical for continued production.
Propagation
Save seed from the last pods of the season. Leave pods on the plant until papery and dry, then shell and dry the beans further indoors. Runner bean seeds are large, colourful (often speckled black and purple), and beautiful. They store for 3-4 years. Many gardeners save seed from the same line for decades, developing a variety perfectly adapted to their garden.
Watch out
Runner beans fail to set pods in very hot, dry weather – the flowers fall off before being pollinated. This is called “blossom drop” and usually sorts itself when temperatures moderate. Water the plants generously, especially around the roots, and wait – production will resume. Beans grown in a sheltered east-facing spot (morning sun, afternoon shade) often outperform those in full-day blazing sun during heatwaves.
Companion planting
The Three Sisters (beans, squash, sweetcorn) is the classic grouping. Nasturtiums are good companions. Keep away from garlic, onions, and brassicas. The flowers attract bees and pollinators in large numbers.
Problems to watch for
- Blossom drop: In very hot dry weather. Water generously and wait for cooler temperatures.
- Blackfly: Can colonise tips. Pinch out affected growth.
- Slugs: Young seedlings are vulnerable. Protect after sowing.
When and how to harvest
Harvest when pods are 15-20cm long and snap cleanly. Do not let them become thick, bulging, or stringy – check every 2 days. Remove any overripe pods (even if you don’t eat them) to keep the plant producing. Overripe pods can be shelled for the dried beans inside.
How to store
- Fresh: Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
- Blanched and frozen: Slice, blanch for 2-3 minutes, cool, and freeze. Very good from frozen.
- Dried: Mature pods produce speckled, beautiful dried beans for winter stews.
In the kitchen
Savory
Runner beans need slicing (on the diagonal, removing any strings from the edges) before cooking. Boil until just tender, then toss with butter, garlic, and herbs. In soups and stews, with tomatoes and herbs, in minestrone, with spiced tomato sauce. The dried beans make excellent cassoulet-style dishes. Runner bean chutney is a classic way to process a glut.
Sweet
Not used in sweet dishes.
Drinks
Not used in drinks.