Runner Bean - Benchmaster It is so worth the effort to grow Runner Bean Plants from Seed. Of all the different types of pulses, runner beans are probably the most popular for home growing. Benchmaster boasts deep-red flowers, which then go on to produce long, straight, tender pods that reach up to 40cm in length. This variety produces an abundance of high quality beans that hang in clusters. 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 May to July.
