Runner Bean Firestorm

Firestorm starts with a show of bold scarlet flowers – masses of them – followed by a reliable crop of tasty beans. Pick the pods young to enjoy their tender sweetness at its best. They’re stringless too, and sometimes develop a red tinge – just part of their fiery charm.

If you’ve had trouble with pollination in the past, Firestorm is a great choice. It’s self-pollinating, so it sets well even in hot or unsettled weather. A lovely variety and well worth growing.

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: 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.

ENJOY: 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