Seed Savers Scarlet Runner Bean

One of the oldest runner beans in existence. Already well-known in 1735 according to The Gardener’s Dictionary by English botanist Philip Miller; listed in America as early as 1806 by McMahon. Used for ornamental purposes or as a vegetable: small snap pods or green shell beans. Can substitute for limas in cooler climates.

• 65 days
• ±450 seeds/lb
• Conventional
• Pole bean
• Scarlet blossoms
• Beans mature to black and speckled mauve
• Used for ornamental purposes or as small snap pods or green shell beans

This variety works for:

• Fresh eating
• Baking
• Roasting
• Soups
• Ornamental

As your runner beans are maturing, you can either prepare the young pods or shell them and toss the fresh seeds into salads with mint, feta, and hulled corn. You can also add the flowers to salads or use them as a garnish.

This variety can be substituted for limas in cooler climates.

If you grow your runner beans as dry beans, try adding them to spicy Moroccan stews or Asian curries as the flavor of the bean will hold up well. They even work in chili recipes.

Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Runner beans prefer full sun, although they tolerate part shade very well. Young pods can be eaten whole, or the beans can be eaten fresh or dried. Even the flowers are edible.

• Direct Seed: 2" Apart
• Seed Depth: 1"
• Rows Apart: 24-36"
• Support: Trellis, tepee, or netting