Firestorm’s ‘fire’ starts with the bold scarlet flowers, masses of them, make a fabulous display that is followed by plenty of tasty beans. These are at their best picked and eaten on the young side to savour their tender sweetness. The pods, which are ‘stringless’, can develop red tinges – part of their ‘fire’. If you have had pollination problems in the past, then Firestorm is the bean for you; being self-pollinating it can set well even in poor weather or high temperatures. A variety well worth growing
Price for 24 seeds
SOW: in late spring after frost danger has passed. We like to start runners in pots (seed depth 2.5-5cm) and plant out when they show signs of wanting to climb after hardening off. You can plant 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 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 12-14 weeks. They like to be watered at the base in dry weather- you can use cold sink or bath water if its not too soapy.
EAT: keep picking and the beans will keep coming. These are at their best picked and eaten on the young side to savour their tender sweetness. The pods, which are ‘stringless’, can develop red tinges – part of their ‘fire’ along with their flower colour! All Runner Beans freeze very well – slice and bag into meal sized amounts
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