How to Grow Runner Beans: A Detailed Guide

Runner beans are part of the legume family, and they’re a popular and easy-to-grow vegetable with a plentiful crop. A climbing plant, runner beans can save space on the allotment by growing vertically, which also makes for an attractive display when the plants are flowering.

At Allotment Online, we’re here to provide the information you need to grow runner bean plants successfully. For the best advice on how to grow runner beans, when to plant runner beans, and when to pick runner beans, read our detailed guide.

Where and When to Plant Runner Beans

Ideally, if you’re in a colder location, you should sow your bean seeds indoors from mid-April onwards. Make a plan to plant out during May, once the threat of frosts has gone. Alternatively, wait and sow directly once the soil has warmed up in the middle of May.

It is worth spending time preparing the growing area first. Many growers use a traditional wig-wam type structure using tall canes tied together to support the climbing plants, which are constructed to be sturdy enough to hold the weight; especially if your plot is an open space subject to winds.

The ground needs to be weed-free and with added organic matter. Some growers dig trenches to help their bean plants, which are known to be very thirsty plants. You can also place an open-ended plastic bottle or pot in the ground to help direct rainwater straight to the roots.

Best way to Grow Runner Beans

When your plants have been hardened off, or you’re sowing out straight from seed, sow or plant one each side of the base of the canes. These will entwine as they climb. Pinch out the tops for a bushier plant when they reach the top of the canes. 

Runner beans will require plenty of regular watering, so you can add some mulch to help retain the moisture.

Maintain a constant moisture level in the soil, particularly in dry seasons. To lower the danger of disease, water the base of the plants rather than the leaves. During the growth season, give your runner beans a balanced fertiliser on a monthly basis. This will encourage stronger development and a healthy harvest.

Tie the beans to their supports as they grow to keep them standing. This will facilitate harvesting and lessen the chance of wind-related damage.

When to Pick Runner Beans

Runner beans may be harvested 12 to 16 weeks after planting, depending on the variety and growth conditions.

When the beans are young, roughly 15-20 cm long, pick them. Plants that get regular harvesting generally yield more beans. 

You’ll need to pick the fully-formed beans approximately every other day to help encourage healthy bean growth and use up your crop as you go. Runner beans that are left to mature too long, can be stringy. Re-growth will slow down once you approach autumn. Runner beans are not hardy and will not cope with any frost.

Runner beans are a lovely vegetable side, or they can be a tasty addition to casseroles. They can be frozen for storage, too.

You can store freshly picked runner beans for up to a week in the refrigerator. Or, blanch the beans for a few minutes in boiling water, then freeze them in sealed containers for extended storage.

Common Problems with Growing Runner Beans

During the summer, your bean plants will have a beautiful display of orange or white flowers, depending on the variety. Blackfly can be a problem, keep a watch for this. It can be sprayed away with soapy water.

Runner beans are generally trouble-free, but they can be susceptible to a few common problems. 

Aphids, slugs, and snails should be kept away since they may harm young plants. Make use of natural pest control techniques like copper tape or neem oil. Common fungal diseases like powdery mildew and bean rust can be avoided with appropriate watering techniques and air movement.

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