White Lady is a hidden gem lurking at the end of our runner bean section. With an AGM awarded for its quality, this variety is noted for setting well during hotter weather and is more tolerant of drier weather than most varieties – having said that it still won’t bean in bone-dry conditions! If you like to make two sowings then White lady can be your early pick or be the one that will extend your harvest period into the autumn: in other words, this variety can be your solution to spreading out all that beany goodness – those stringless, smooth beans hang in clusters ready to show off their tiptop flavour once on your plate… it is one of gardener Anne Swithenbank`s favourites (and one of ours too!)
Price for 24 seeds
SOW: April to July, after frost danger has passed. We like to start runners in pots (seed depth 2.5-5cm) & 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, digging in organic matter early in the spring will give them a boost and help them in dry weather
GROW: they like a cane each set at about 20cm apart, you may need to encourage them to twine but they soon get the hang of it. Pinching out the first growing tip when 25cm high makes for bushier growth. Depending on the growing conditions start picking after about 12-14 weeks. Although drought tolerant they would still prefer some water at their base in dry weather – bath or sink water is fine if it not too soapy
ENJOY: if you pick young then you can top and tail and cook without slicing. Fresh beans to the plate are a flavour to savour – try drizzled with lemon juice and a scattering of their edible white flowers. All Runner Beans freeze very well – slice, blanch (if possible) and bag into meal sized amounts ready to be cooked from frozen.
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