bean (runner) 'Scarlet Emperor'
runner bean / Phaseolus coccineus 'Scarlet Emperor'
- Position: full sun
- Soil: deep and fertile with reliable moisture
Introduced in 1633, sometimes the old ones are the best – and that's certainly true with this heritage variety, grown for generations and still one of the most popular runners around. The big, beefy plants scramble enthusiastically up beanpoles to produce a very heavy crop of classic long, straight beans with a flavour that's just the way beans ought to taste. The flowers are edible too and make a colourful garnish. - Growing Instructions:Choose a spot in full sun with the richest soil you can provide: dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter before planting. From late spring sow seeds direct 5cm deep and about 20cm apart and support with sturdy hazel bean poles. Protect seedlings from slugs and squash blackfly as soon as they appear on shoot tips. When sowing, pop one or two extra seeds in at the end of the row to act as insurance: then if you lose any of your seedlings you'll have replacements waiting in the wings.
- Sow: April-June
- Harvest: July-October
- Approximate quantity: 45 seeds.
