Sowing and growing Runner Beans

Runner beans are long, wide, flat pods and belong to the legume family. Characteristic of this family is the formation of legumes. These legumes are very rich in protein and this family also includes, for example, green beans, broad beans, peas and soybeans. Since string beans, often can be stringy, they are cut into small strips or pieces. This cutting also brings out its flavor better.

Growing your own runner beans from seeds

Runner beans, also known as string beans ore pole beans, are an easy vegetable to grow. The plants grow very tall and need to be supported by a climbing support.  Because they mainly grow in height, they take up little space. Ideal for a small vegetable garden, but also a beautiful eye-catcher in a large garden. There are also green beans that grow in this way.

Sowing and planting runner beans

From mid-May to early July, sowing can be done in open ground. Sow about 4 beans per stick, 2 to 3 cm deep. Since the plants of the runner beans can grow very tall, they need to be supported. Traditionally, this is usually done with the help of bamboo sticks. The easiest way to do this is to first make the climbing construction and then sow the beans around the placed sticks. In this way, the plant has a support point from the start of growth. In the beginning you have to help the plants to rotate around the sticks, then this goes by itself.

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Position and soil of runner beans

Runner beans need heat, so choose a sunny spot. The soil should also be warm, so don't sow too early. In addition, the soil should not be too acidic and too wet.

How to care for your runner bean plants

String beans require little care. Regular watering, especially during the flowering period, is sufficient. Keep the soil around the plant free of weeds.

When and how to harvest runner beans?

After about 2 to 3 months, the first beans can be harvested. Harvest regularly and don't let the beans grow too large. This stimulates the growth of new beans and prevents the beans from getting stringy and becoming tough.

How to preserve runner beans

Fresh runner beans, not cut, can be kept in the refrigerator for about 2 days. You can freeze them, but blanch them first. Runner beans can also be preserved by canning.

Are runner beans healthy?

Runner beans are healthy. In particular, they contain a lot of vitamin K and fiber.

Runner bean seeds in our collection

We have different types of runner bean seeds in our range. Think, for example, of the red-flowering runner bean ’Streamline’ or the organic runner bean ’Emergo’ and the 'helda'. 

Tips to grow runner beans

• Harvest the beans on time so they will still be tender.
• Regular harvesting promotes the production of new beans.