Scarlet Emperor has been a favourite for decades.

Yields long, straight pods of excellent flavour.

Sliced and blanched, it freezes well to provide tasty out-of-season treats.

Sowing Time

Indoors: April - May

Outdoors: May - June

Sowing Indoors

Sow individual seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep in 8cm (3in) pots of seed and potting compost. Keep the pots in a frost free greenhouse. Ensure the compost remains moist at all times, but not saturated. Gradually accustom the young plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting them out to their cropping positions from late May onwards, when the danger of frost has passed. Ensure supports are in place before planting out. Allow 20cm (8in) between plants in the row.

Sowing Outdoors

Sow two seeds close together 5cm (2in) deep, at intervals of 20cm (8in). Runner beans require support and it is best to have this in place before you sow.

Support

As runner beans climb, they will need support. A frame of canes and strong netting is ideal, or the beans can be grown up wigwams of sticks or canes, where they become a decorative feature in the garden. Ensure any structure is at least 180cm (6ft) high. Plants will climb and twine naturally as they grow.

Aftercare

Runner beans require plenty of water to produce 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. Runner beans are generally disease and trouble free. They thrive in a sunny position which is not exposed to cold winds.

Harvest

August - September. Pick the beans when they are young and tender. This encourages plants to remain productive for longer.

Freezing

Runner beans freeze well. Simply slice, blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two, drain, allow to cool, then bag them for the freezer.