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Scarlet Emperor has been a favourite for decades, which is no surprise. It yields long, straight pods of excellent flavour. Sliced and blanched, it freezes well to provide tasty out-of-season treats.
- Gardener’s favourite
- Freezes well
- Product Details
- How to Sow
- Tips & Advice
Sowing Time
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Outdoors | ||||||||||||
| Indoors |
Harvest Time
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Flowering |
Plant Spacing
60cm (24in)
20cm (8in)
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 2-3 weeks before planting them out at 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 wigworms 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 midday spraying with a fine rose encourages the 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
- Pick the beans when they are young and tender
- This encourages plants to remain productive 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
Growing Tips
- Runner Bean seed is sensitive to cold, wet soils and will not germinate in unfavourable conditions
- We recommend that you do not sow seed outdoors before mid May
For any questions or advice, please contact our technical advice line on 01480 443789 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm) or email customerservice@westlandhorticulture.com
