Runner Bean Polestar

Polestar really lives up to its name – a star performer in the garden. It’s a reliable, stringless variety that produces bright green, smooth pods with great flavour and a lovely texture – easy to enjoy however you cook them.

This variety grows away strongly and is covered in scarlet flowers, with a long season that means you’ll be picking an abundant crop for weeks. A solid choice for anyone who likes their runner beans tasty, tidy, and dependable.

SOW: April to June after frost danger has passed. We like to start runners in pots (seed depth 25-50mm) & 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 set about 20cm apart, you may need to encourage them to twine but they soon get the hang of it. Pinching out the growing tip when 25cm high will encourage more bushy growth and flowers & beans will start lower down. Your first picking will be about 12-14 weeks later and then keep picking and the beans will keep coming. They like to be watered at the base in dry weather.

ENJOY: we prefer to pick our beans when they are young about 15cm (6”) is ideal however stringless varieties such as Polestar will continue to give you nice beans even if you leave them on the plant a little longer than intended. Fresh beans to the plate are a flavour to savour – and if you have a bumper crop then they are a perfect veg for freezing. Simply slice, blanche (if possible) and bag into meal sized amounts.