Runner bean 'St George'

Keep plants weed free, water and mulch in dry weather.

This variety can also be grown as a low bush by pinching out the growing tip

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that St George is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside. Ensure your soil is loamy and clay and has a ph of between 6.0 and 6.8 as Runner bean is a weakly acidic soil loving plant.

Sow direct once soil has warmed, 15cm apart and 5cm deep to be trained up canes. Alternatively, sow in pots at 18C, 4cm deep

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 5.85 inches (15.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 1.95 inches (5.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 16°C / 61°F to ensure good germination.

Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out after all risk of frost has past, to be trained up canes or netting

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 12°C / 54°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as St George is a tender plant.

Pick the green bean pods while they are still young and tender. Removing the harvest promptly, encourages further flowering and more beans.

This variety tends to be ready for harvesting by late summer.

British bred bicoloured variety