Runner Bean - Firestorm Of all the different types of pulses, Runner Beans Plants are probably the most popular for home growing. Thinking ahead will achieve the best crops, do not wait until sowing time though as the most important time is Autumn. It is then that the ground should be prepared by choosing the site and digging well and incorporating a good quality manure.Firestorm is a truly outstanding variety of Runner Bean and most importantly, it is easy to grow! The plant produces attractive, scarlet coloured flowers which go on to produce stringless, slightly thicker, sweeter and more tender beans than other varieties. This particular variety sets well even in poor weather. Sow from April to June. Early sowings can be made under glass at a temperature of 16°C. Sow 3 seeds per 8cm pot filled with seed sowing compost. Outside sowings can be made from May onwards into the growing site 5cm deep. Sow 2-3 seeds every 20-30cm apart with rows spaced 60cm apart. Glasshouse seedlings should be gradually hardened off before planting outside in late May to the spacings above with a support cane at each planting station. Reduce outside sowings to single plants. Circular plantings can be made with canes joined at the centre to form a wigwam. For optimum crop, place canes 45cm (18") apart with 3 plants per cane. Water regularly during dry weather. The beans will be ready to harvest from July to September.
