How to grow runner beans

Guide to Growing Bush Beans

Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are a stunning and productive addition to any garden. With their vigorous growth, vibrant flowers, and large, nutritious pods, they are a favorite among gardeners who want a high-yield, visually striking plant. Unlike common beans, runner beans grow on tall vines that can reach 8-10 feet in height, requiring a strong support system. Whether you're growing them for their beautiful flowers, tender beans, or both, this guide will help you grow healthy and abundant runner beans in your garden.

1. Choosing the Right Runner Bean Variety

Runner beans come in several varieties, each with its own traits. Some are known for their beautiful flowers, while others are prized for their high yield of edible beans. When selecting a variety, consider your space, climate, and whether you want the beans for fresh consumption or for drying.

• Flowering Varieties: Some runner beans, like 'Scarlet Runner' and 'White Lady', are grown mainly for their attractive red or white flowers. These beans also produce edible pods, but their primary appeal is ornamental.

• Edible Varieties: If you’re looking for beans to harvest and eat, varieties like ‘Enorma’ or ‘Painted Lady’ are ideal. They produce long pods filled with plump beans that are perfect for cooking.

2. Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Runner beans thrive in full sun, so select a location that receives at least 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day. They also require rich, well-drained soil to grow to their full potential.

• Soil Requirements: Runner beans prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Before planting, improve your soil by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will help ensure good drainage and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.

• Spacing: Runner beans need plenty of space to grow, especially when it comes to their root system. Space plants about 4 inches apart within rows, and leave 3-4 feet between rows to allow for proper air circulation and sunlight exposure.

3. Building the Support Structure

Since runner beans are climbing plants, they need a robust support system. A trellis, fence, or dedicated pole structure works well to help the vines grow upwards.

• Height: Make sure your support structure is at least 6-8 feet tall, as runner beans can grow quite tall. Ideally, the taller the structure, the more beans it can support. If you're using a fence, you’ll need to train the vines to climb it.

• Trellis Design: You can create a simple A-frame trellis or use tall poles to form a teepee structure. A single, sturdy vertical trellis or fence is also effective. Just make sure the structure is strong enough to handle the weight of the plants and beans as they grow.

• Materials: Runner beans will need sturdy support, so use materials such as bamboo poles, wood, or metal mesh for your structure. Be sure that the materials are tall and strong enough to handle the dense vines and pods.

4. Planting Runner Beans

Runner beans are typically planted directly outdoors, though you can start them indoors if your growing season is short or you want an earlier harvest.

• When to Plant: Wait until the last frost date has passed, and the soil has warmed to 60°F or higher. This typically happens in late spring or early summer.

• Planting Depth and Spacing: Sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep into the soil, spacing them about 4-8 inches apart. For taller support systems, you can plant seeds in groups of 2 or 3 to give the vines a sturdy base to climb. If you're using a fence or a pre-built trellis, make sure to space seeds a bit further apart (around 12 inches).

• Starting Indoors: In cooler climates, you can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and the weather is consistently warm.

5. Caring for Your Runner Beans

Once your runner beans are planted, they need consistent care to grow well. These plants are relatively low-maintenance, but here are some key tips for ensuring healthy growth:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Beans have deep roots, so watering deeply is better than shallow, frequent watering. Aim for about 1-1.5 inches of water per week.

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, keep the soil temperature consistent, and suppress weeds. Organic mulch such as straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves works best.

• Fertilizing: Runner beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they don’t need a lot of additional fertilizer. However, you can boost growth with compost or a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer applied at planting time or early in the growing season.

• Pruning: Prune any dead or diseased leaves, and remove side shoots that may crowd the center of the plant. This improves airflow and helps prevent mold or mildew.

6. Supporting Growth

As your runner beans begin to grow, the vines will naturally begin climbing. However, they may need some help getting started:

• Training the Vines: As the vines start to grow, gently guide them toward the support structure. They will begin to twine around the poles or trellis on their own.

• Trellis Maintenance: Ensure the structure remains sturdy throughout the growing season, as the vines can become heavy with pods. Regularly check that the trellis or supports are secure and won't collapse under the weight.

7. Pest and Disease Management

Like most garden plants, runner beans can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases. Here’s how to protect your plants:

• Pests: Common pests that affect runner beans include aphids, slugs, and snails. Aphids can be removed by spraying with water or using insecticidal soap. Slugs and snails can be deterred using barriers like copper tape or natural remedies like diatomaceous earth.

• Diseases: Runner beans can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew or rust. Prevent these diseases by ensuring good air circulation around the plants and by watering at the base, not overhead. If you spot signs of mildew, remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.

8. Harvesting Runner Beans

Runner beans typically mature within 60 to 90 days after planting, depending on the variety. There are two main ways to harvest runner beans: for fresh pods or for drying.

• Fresh Pods: If you're harvesting beans for fresh consumption, pick the pods when they are young and tender, usually 4-6 inches long. Be sure to harvest regularly to encourage new pod growth.

• Dried Beans: For dried beans, wait until the pods are fully mature and have turned brown. The beans inside should rattle when you shake the pod. Once harvested, allow the pods to dry completely before shelling the beans.

• Flowers: If you’ve grown runner beans for their flowers, you can enjoy the vibrant blooms throughout the growing season, but the flowers will typically start to fade after the beans begin to mature.

9. Storing and Preserving Runner Beans

• Fresh Beans: If you plan to eat the beans fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Beans can be frozen for long-term storage. To freeze, blanch the beans for 2-3 minutes in boiling water, then transfer them to an ice bath. After cooling, drain the beans and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags.

• Dried Beans: Dried runner beans should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place in airtight containers. When properly stored, dried beans can last for up to a year or more.

10. Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Yellowing Leaves: This may indicate a nitrogen deficiency or poor drainage. While runner beans are nitrogen-fixers, they still benefit from well-drained soil. Consider adding organic compost to improve soil quality.

• Poor Pollination: If your plants are flowering but not producing beans, it could be due to poor pollination. While runner beans are self-pollinating, insects like bees help with the process. Planting flowers nearby can attract pollinators to your garden.

• Leggy Growth: If your runner beans are growing tall but weak and spindly, they may not be getting enough sunlight. Ensure the plants are in a sunny spot and consider thinning out overcrowded plants to improve airflow.

Conclusion

Growing runner beans is a rewarding experience that offers both aesthetic beauty and a bountiful harvest. With the right support, care, and attention, you can enjoy fresh, tender beans all season long, or store dried beans for year-round use. Whether you're growing runner beans for their vibrant flowers or their delicious beans, these plants are sure to make a wonderful addition to your garden. Happy gardening!