Armstrong is a robust red flowered variety and your reward will be a heavy crop of delicious, succulent, tender young beans. At their tasty best (we think) picked by 20cm long however these pods can grow to 40cm! Vigorous and reliable.
SOW: inside in pots from April or outside after all frost danger has passed (May and June). We like to start runners in pots and plant out when they show signs of wanting to climb but harden indoor grown plants first. You can sow them in situ but put your canes in place first! They like rich soil so if you are able to dig in organic matter early in the spring the beans will appreciate the extra boost.
GROW: they like a cane each spaced at about 20cm apart, you may need to encourage them to twine but they soon get the hang of it. You can pinch out the first growing tip when 25cm high to encourage more bushy growth. They are insect pollinated – the insects prefer shelter from wind. Depending on the growing conditions cropping will start in about 12-16 weeks. They like to be watered at the base in dry weather.
EAT: keep picking and the beans will keep coming. Stringless varieties such as Armstrong will continue to give you nice beans even if you leave them on the plant for longer than intended. Fresh beans to the plate are a flavour to savour – a naughty treat is to grate cheese over them. All Runner Beans freeze very well – slice and bag into meal sized amounts.
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