Bean - Runner - Scarlet

OH. Runner beans originated in the mountains of Central America and have been cultivated since 2000 BC. They have been grown in North America and Europe since the 1600’s and this variety has been in NZ a long time and most likely arrived with the first English settlers. We received this seed from our friend Anika Fletcher-Zirke when she was here visiting her sister Kiersten-Anna, our star employee. Often grown for ornamental reasons as their flowers are stunning, and this is where the scarlet part of their name comes from. The are referred to as runners, as their vines are so vigorous and run for meters. Unlike common beans, the older original runner beans are perennial, and will reshoot year after year if left undisturbed in your garden. The stunning scarlet flowers are great for attracting beneficial insects and birds into your garden. The beans can be enjoyed fresh as a green bean when young before the pods become too fibrous or as a shell-out or dry bean. The seeds are a beautiful violet and black pattern when dried. Frost tender, these plants will benefit from a heavy mulch in autumn, to insure they overwinter. A sturdy trellis is recommended to support their vigorous 2-3m vines.  

Sow in trays in glasshouse in September or direct in the garden when chance of frost has passed. From trays prick out when true leaves appear and transplant into fertile soil at 15-20cm spacing under a trellis for support. Reminder this is a perrennial plant, so choose your planting spot with this in mind.

15 seeds