Bean (Runner bean)

Plant family

Legumes (Fabaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

10 cm

Row spacing

10 cm

Seeding depth

3 cm

Instructions

End of May

Sowing

End of May

Weeding

Every week

Description

The pole bean is a frost-sensitive, climbing legume that requires a climbing aid when it grows to a height of 3 m or more. Since pole beans belong to the legumes, they can go into symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Therefore, they are a good precrop for nutrient-demanding crops. Different varieties differ in color (green, pied, blue, yellow), pod size and number of seeds per pod.

Growing tips

Due to their enormous climbing ability, climbing supports made of wood or corrugated wire at least 2 m high are necessary. You can sow approx. 6-10 seeds per climbing aid at intervals of approx. 10 cm between the seeds. There should be a distance of approx. 40-80 cm between the trellis poles, depending on the number of seeds per pole. You can increase the yield by harvesting regularly (every 2-4 days). Mounding up soil at a young stage ensures good root growth. Runner beans can serve as a windbreak for wind-sensitive crops. They have a high water requirement, but you should avoid waterlogging.