Runner Bean - Benchmaster
This is a British-bred, top-quality runner bean producing pods of over 40cm in length. Abundant crops of pods hang in clusters and are fleshy, but slender, smooth and straight. For exhibition, thin to one pod per flower stem for increased length. The attractive red flowers make it a good choice for beds.
Sow from mid to late April indoors for transplanting or May to early July outdoors. Sow seed 5cm deep in 7.5cm pots or trays of good, free-draining seed compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at 18-20C until after germination which takes 7-10 days. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days before planting out after risk of frost, against canes or netting. Hoe regularly and keep well-watered. Mulch during dry periods and give a liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks.