Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus Coccineus mix) 6 seeds (#1787)

Grown for its electric crimson-red or white blooms and edible beans, this ancient crop is from the mountainous regions of Central America and is thought to have been cultivated for nearly 2,000 years. Scarlet runner bean, or case-knife bean, is a tender perennial vine. All parts of the plant are edible. The flowers are beautiful as a garnish, new pods can be eaten whole, and mature beans eaten fresh or dried. Even the starchy tuberous roots can be cooked and enjoyed like potatoes.
Runner bean leaves are trifoliate (three-leaved) with broadly oval, dark green leaflets. Mature vines produce showy flowers typical of peas or beans. The red, white or red and white flowers have larger, rounded petals that subtend smaller petals which form a lip or keeled beak. They are produced in clusters on short stalks among the foliage. The flowers are self-fertile but require a visit from bees or hummingbirds for pollination and fruit set.
Long bean pods filled with six to ten large beans are produced in profusion. The beans themselves vary in shape and color, depending on the cultivar, but are often brown and mottled. Some tropical cultivars do not produce flowers or fruit in the first year from seed but will if planted as tubers.
Plant scarlet runner bean in full sun and fertile, evenly moist, well-drained garden soil. It is cold sensitive so plant after the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. In tropical zones, runner beans are a perennial crop. Plenty of water is required for good fruit set, but excessive water will cause root rot. Like pole beans, the vines can reach great lengths and require trellising. Harvest beans every few days to keep vines fruitful for longer. Where not hardy, the tuberous roots may also be lifted and stored like dahlias
The beautiful hummingbird-attracting flowers of scarlet runner bean add charm to any trellis or fence in a flower or vegetable garden.

Genus - Phaseolus
Species - Coccineus
Variety - mix
Common name - Scarlet Runner Bean
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 9
Height - 3 - 4 m
Spread - 0,60 - 0,80 m
Plant type - Annual climber
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Neutral
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand, well drained
Water requirements - Average
Landscape uses - Mixed Border, Tropical, Vine
Bloom season - June - September
Leaf / Flower color - Green / White, Red, Crimson

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Beans do not transplant well, so seeds should be directly in the soil in May after the last frost at a depth about three times their width.
Soak before sowing.
Keep moist.