Thompson & Morgan - Vegetables - Dwarf Runner Bean Hestia - 30 Seed

Dwarf Runner Bean - Hestia

This is a superb variety with all the best characteristics of modern runner beans, but on dwarf plants. Hestia is early to crop, often before standard types, with a good yield of tasty, long, straight, stringless pods, held above the soil to avoid disease. It is ideal for small gardens, large containers and borders where its bicoloured flowers of red and white make an attractive addition.

Prefers to be grown in fertile, moist yet well drained soil which has had plenty of well-rotted compost dug into it the previous autumn. For an early start sow seeds from mid-spring (April) in artificial heat at a temperature of 15-18C (propagator, greenhouse, warm room) in peat pots and plant out after last expected frost. Outdoors do not sow until at least 10 days after last frost 5cm deep. Sowing can normally be carried out in May and June. Sow 2 seeds every 23cm in rows 60cm apart. Remove weaker seedlings after germination. Water regularly and liquid feed every 14 days during the mid-summer. Pick the beans regularly a little on the young side to ensure top quality and prolonged cropping.