Runner Bean Hestia Dwarf

Runner Bean seeds "Hestia dwarf" is an ideal variety to grow in pots or containers because it produces beautiful red and white flowers followed by 18/20cm slim, stringless runner beans on bushy plants. It is early to crop and often before standard types of runner bean. Of all the different types of pulses, Runner Beans are probably the most popular variety for home growing. There is nothing quite like the fresh taste of your just picked beans, from your very own garden, with your dinner! WHEN TO SOW April to June WHERE TO SOW Early sowings can be made underglass at a temperature of 16°C, sow 3 seeds per 8cm (3in) pot filled with seed sowing compost. Outside sowings can be made from May onwards into the growing site 5cm (2in) deep. Sow 2-3 seeds every 20-30cm(8-12in) apart with rows spaced 60cm (24in) apart. Or sow direct into containers. WHAT TO DO NEXT Seedlings sown underglass should be gradually hardened off before planting outside in late May to the above spacing, once all risk of frost has past. Alternatively plant into large containers filled with a good potting compost and grow on a sunny patio. Water regularly during dry weather. MATURITY July to September HANDY TIP Makes an attractive and productive container, equally at home surrounded by pots of flowers on a sunny patio. HANDY TIP FOR FLOWER DROP Percy Thrower thought that the main cause was slightly acid soil. He recommended applying a dusting of lime to the soil in early winter over the area set aside for runner beans the next year, so that it would get washed into the topsoil by the winters rain. We have tried it and it does work. NUTRITIONAL VALUE A good source of Vitamin C, Folic acid and Iron. High fibre content.