Runner Bean Armstrong

Armstrong is a strong, reliable variety with classic red flowers and a real appetite for growing. It produces a heavy crop of tender, succulent beans with great flavour. We reckon they’re at their best picked around 20cm long, but if you miss a few, don’t worry — the pods can grow up to 40cm and still stay tasty. A solid choice for any runner bean fan.

SOW: inside in pots from April or outside after all frost danger has passed (May and June). We like to start runners in pots, seed depth 25-50mm.  When they show signs of wanting to climb harden off and plant out.  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.

ENJOY: keep picking and the beans will keep coming! Varieties like Armstrong, which are stringless, will still give you lovely beans even if you leave them on the plant a bit longer than planned. There’s nothing quite like the flavour of freshly picked beans – straight from the garden to your plate. And if you fancy a treat, try grating a bit of cheese over them while they’re still hot... absolutely delicious.

Runner beans also freeze brilliantly. Just slice them up and bag into meal-sized portions – perfect for enjoying that homegrown taste all year round.