Runner Bean Scarlet Emperor Seeds

Half-hardy Annual
A popular and easy to grow variety that produces heavy crops of smooth dark green pods. The plant produces red flowers which look attractive in the garden and the beans are ideal for freezing. Runner beans ae also a super food as they are a good source of Vitamin C. Folate and Iron. They are also high in fibre.

Sow Indoors: April
Transplant: May - June
Sow Outdoors: Late May - July
Harvest: July - October

Sow seeds 5cm deep into trays of free draining compost. Place in a propagator or seal inside a clear bag. This will create humidity to help start germination. Place in a light warm location until seedlings start to emerge, the bag or lid can then be removed but seedlings must be kept warm and away from drafts. Germination can take 7 - 10 days.
Once the seedlings are tall enough to handle, they can be transplanted. Harden off by placing them outdoors during the day and bringing them back indoors at night. Repeat for 7 - 10 days. Plant growth should be supported using garden canes and twines. Alternatively, beans can also be supported on a trellis. Use netting to protect pods from birds and other wildlife.
Seeds can be sown direct outdoors when the soil has warmed. Create a structure with canes and garden twine and sow 2 seeds 5cm deep at each cane. Thin plants to 30cm apart and water well during growth. Avoid freshly manured soil which will promote foliage growth instead of beans. Mulching around plants will help combat dry periods. Harvest young pods from July when they reach 30cm in length, harvest regularly to promote a longer cropping season. Plant with sweet peas to attract pollinators to the flowers. Planting Nasturtiums with runner beans will draw aphids away from the pods.
Growing height: 300cm