Growing Beans - climbing, also Pole beans, Runner beans, Scarlet Runners

Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Beans - climbing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 16°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 20 cm apart
  • Harvest in 9-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, spinach, lettuce, summer savory, dill, carrots, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry, cucumbers, zucchini, tagates minuta (wild marigold)
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (Chives, leek, garlic, onions), Florence fennel

Your comments and tips

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18 Jan 19, Alison (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown mangere pole beans regularly for the past few years but this year's don't taste nice at all - a very strong soapy flavour. I haven't tried cooking any yet - we've just tried them raw. Has anyone had a similar experience? Thank you.
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17 Aug 18, John McGregor (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi You say sow bean seeds at soil temps between 16 - 30C or August to April. Our soil temp, in Auckland, wont get to 16C until late October. Will it still be OK to sow in late August. Thanks in anticipation John McGregor
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16 Jan 18, Colleen Middleton (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How many years will runner beans regrow for, before having to replant them? I am having a very good yield in their second season...they did take a long time to sprout initially ...possibly due to a cooler than usual early to mid spring.
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07 Jan 18, Maurice (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Bumblebees nipping off scarlet runner bean flowers. One writer suggested sugar syrup what quantities and how often do you spray them. Otherwise any other suggestions would be appreciated. .
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12 Oct 17, Jill Farr (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I grew Scarlet Runner beans last year and while the plants grew well, they didn't grow any beans on them! I was surprised as I have grown them before many times and never had this problem. I am about to plant some for this season, but am keen to receive any ideas about what I could do to ensure getting a good crop.
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09 May 17, ali (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, I am looking into growing fardenlosa shiny beans commercially and have found a lot of useful info. However I can't seem to find info and how long these plants will produce a good crop and when to re sow?
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10 May 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Shiny Fardelosa beans take 11-13 weeks to harvest and will bear for 2-3 months. If you are growing them undercover they can be planted all year otherwise plant them in spring up until later in the year.
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24 Sep 17, Mel (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi John, I am growing Fardenlosa in pots in a glasshouse (1500)... are bumblebees the best option to pollinate? cheers
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08 May 17, Mary Holland (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Will runner beans give beans for more than 1 year, if left in the soil.?
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08 May 17, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes, they will keep going unless you get frosts.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 36 comments
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Do runner beans grow up poles in clockwise direction? Anti clockwise here. Of course I need to know!

- Eric Brooker

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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