Runner Bean ‘Sunset’

Description

You can pick these beans when they’re fresh and green, or let them dry out to get pretty lavender beans with black spots—great for hearty winter meals.
• The plant also gives lots of edible flowers that taste mild and fresh, making them perfect for decorating dishes or tossing in salads.
• Plant them straight in the garden once danger of frost has passed and soil is warm.  3–4″ apart, 1½” deep
• These beans love to climb, so give them sturdy supports like poles, wood, metal bars, or a tall trellis (about 6–8 feet high).
• Don’t go overboard with fertilizer—too much nitrogen can mean fewer pods and slower growth.
• Crowded plants with wet leaves can get sick easily. Space them out and avoid touching the leaves when they’re wet.
• Harvest beans when they look nice and plump. You can dry them to save for later or cook them soon after picking.
Always cook these beans well—raw runner beans have a toxin called lectin that only goes away with thorough cooking.