Runner Bean White Emergo

Sow: April to June
Harvest: July to September

Sow Indoors
For an earlier crop, sow individual seeds in 8 cm pots of potting compost. Keep the pots on a sunny windowsill, in a propagator, or in a greenhouse, maintaining a minimum temperature of 12C. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.

Hardening Off / Planting Out
Gradually acclimatize young plants to outdoor conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out from late May onwards, when frost risk has passed. Provide support with canes, placed in situ and tied together before sowing. Canes can be arranged in double rows, sloping inwards, 15 cm apart, or in a 'wigwam' structure. Alternatively, plant in a container at least 75 cm in diameter. Plants will naturally climb and twine as they grow.

Sow Outdoors
Sow direct, 5 cm deep, into the desired harvest position next to a cane support or in a large container once the danger of frost has passed.

Aftercare
Runner beans need plenty of water for a good crop. Water generously in dry spells. When plants are in full flower, an occasional mid-day spraying with a fine hose encourages flower set and bean production. Plants are generally disease-free and thrive in sunny, sheltered positions.

Advice
Soil should be well-manured before planting. Runner bean seeds are sensitive to cold, wet soils and will not germinate under poor conditions. Pick pods young for best flavour. Surplus crops can be frozen: slice and blanch for 2 minutes, drain, cool, and bag for freezing.