Runner Bean Enorma

Enorma has a big reputation to live up to – and this AGM winner delivers. Known for its heavy crops and impressively long, smooth pods, this variety can produce beans up to 50cm if you let them go! It’s reliable, productive, and has the flavour to match its size. 

To be an AGM winner means that this variety has been outstanding in trials: reliable and with great garden performance

SOW: in late spring after frost danger has passed. 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 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: give each plant its own cane, spaced about 20cm apart – they’ll need a bit of encouragement to twine at first, but they soon get the idea. You can pinch out the growing tip when the plant reaches around 25cm tall to help it bush out a bit more.

Runner beans are insect-pollinated, and the pollinators prefer a bit of shelter from the wind, so it helps to choose a spot that’s not too exposed. Depending on the weather and growing conditions, you’ll usually start picking beans in about 14 weeks. And in dry spells, remember to water at the base – it makes all the difference.

ENJOY: we like to pick our beans when they are young – you do not need to grow extra-long beans for a big crop, simply keep picking and the beans will keep coming. With lots of beans in your crop it is good to know that they freeze very well – just slice and bag into meal sized amounts & pop in the freezer.