Bean ((Scarlet) runner bean)

Plant family

Legumes (Fabaceae)

Synonyms

Multiflora Bean, Butter Bean

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Very humid

Soil

Heavy (clay)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

10 cm

Row spacing

10 cm

Seeding depth

3 cm

Instructions

Description

The fire bean is also called woolly bean, showy bean or beetle bean and belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is closely related to the common bean, but has the advantage of being somewhat more tolerant of cool summers. It can grow up to 7 m long and is a climbing bean. Between June and September, the intense red, hermaphrodite flowers can be found on the plant. It requires another plant for pollination. The fruits grow up to 25 cm long and harbor brown, red, white or black and purple patterned seeds. Both the pods and the seeds can be eaten, but not raw.

Growing tips

The seeds can be dried and stored well. Can also be grown on the balcony. Fire beans can be grown in advance, but can also be planted directly in the open ground. Pre-growing is useful for an earlier harvest and to protect the plant somewhat from slugs. Germination occurs after about 7-14 days at 15-20°C. A climbing aid is needed and they can be sown in eyries like pole beans. Can also be used as a privacy screen this way. Can be sown until July for a continuous harvest.