Runner Bean Scarlet Emperor

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! Scarlet Emperor is an old favourite which is early into production. It boasts a shorter growing and slightly rough pod texture but has an outstanding flavour.,Seed Count: 55,WHEN TO SOW April to June WHERE TO SOW Early sowings in individual pots in glasshouse or cold frame or from early May sow 2 seeds 5cm (2"") deep and 20cm (8"") apart with 60cm (24"") between rows outside. WHAT TO DO NEXT Glasshouse seedlings should be gradually hardened off before planting outside in late May to the spacings above with a support cane at each planting station. Reduce outside sowings to single plants. Circular plantings can be made with canes joined at the centre to form a wigwam. MATURITY Jult onwards HANDY TIP Runner Beans are hungry plants, the ground should be well prepared and manured in the previous Autumn. 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.