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VegetablesHalf-HardyAnnual
Runner Bean
Runner bean is a tall climbing legume grown for long fleshy pods over a prolonged summer season, and many varieties also offer attractive flowers. It is one of the most productive vertical crops for a home garden when warmth and moisture are adequate.
Basic information
Category
Vegetables
Lifecycle
Annual
Hardiness
Half-Hardy
Planting partners
4 companions · 6 crops to avoid
Growth profile
Days to harvest
90 days
Germination window
7–14 days
Germination temperature
12–24 °C
Plant spacing
30 cm
Row spacing
60 cm
Sowing depth
5 cm
Height
250 cm
Spread
30 cm
Calendar
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
Sow Indoors
Sow Outdoors
Plant Out
Flowering / Harvest
Timings based on average frost dates in the UK. Sign up to set your frost dates.
Care tips
Build strong supports before planting, because runner beans make vigorous top growth and become heavy once laden with pods. Keep roots cool and moist with mulch and regular watering, and pick often so pods stay tender and flowering continues.
Common pests
Black bean aphid, slugs, flower drop in heat, halo blight.
