"Phaseolus coccineus: Native to Mexico, runner beans tolerate cool, partially shaded areas better than other beans and make a gorgeous annual landscaping ornamental. For fresh eating pick when the beans are just starting to form in the pod.

CULTURE: Runner beans are easy to grow but are slow to produce flowers in hot dry weather. Unlike other beans, runner beans flowers require pollination to set pods. Keep plants well watered and mulch to keep their roots cool. Runner beans germinate best in soil at 65-85°F and emerge 8-16 days later. Refer to the bush and pole bean culture boxes for more growing tips.
BUSH BEAN CULTURE: Bush beans are one of the most trouble-free garden crops and mature just ahead of pole beans. Beans like warm soil and will not germinate if the soil temperature is below 60°F. Optimum soil temperature range is 65-85°F. You can expect emergence in 8-16 days depending on the variety. In a well worked bed, plant the seeds 2-3 inches apart and 1 inch deep in rows 18-36 inches apart. Thinning is rarely necessary. Beans are relatively light feeders. One cup of our complete fertilizer per 10 row feet will provide adequate nutrition. Excess nitrogen results in excess foliage with poor pod set and delayed maturity. Optimum pH is in the range of 5.5-6.5, mildly acidic. Beans are shallow rooted and can require up to 1/4 inch of water a day during hot weather. Mulch around the roots to help conserve moisture.
DISEASE: Beans are subject to numerous diseases. Avoid wetting the foliage, remove plants at the end of the year, and practice a 4-year crop rotation to prevent potential problems.
INSECTS: Mexican bean beetles and bean weevils can significantly damage young seedlings. To treat, dust them with Rotenone. Optimum soil conditions foster vigorous plants, which can help plant growth outpace insect damage.
HARVEST: Green beans are ready for harvest about 2 weeks after bloom. Pick when the pods are nearly full size and the seeds are still small. Pods at this stage have firm, crispy flesh and are low in fiber content. Keep plants well picked to extend harvest and increase yield. Plant short rows for fresh eating; plant longer rows to have additional beans for canning and freezing. A 20 foot row will feed the average family of 4, unless heavy canning is anticipated.
POLE BEAN CULTURE: In the early days, pole beans were planted at the base of rough wooden poles and the vines clung to the bark as they twined upward. Today most gardeners grow pole beans on trellises. To make a trellis, stretch two wires between two stout posts. The first wire should be about 10 inches above the ground and the second wire at about 5-6 feet. Tie bean string to one wire and begin making a ""V"" shaped trellis by zigzagging the string between the two wires and wrapping around each wire about every 8 inches. Rough string will stimulate the bean vine's twining habit. Sow seeds when the soil temperature is above 60°F, 1 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart, along the bottom of the trellis, in rows 3-4 feet apart. If planting to grow on poles, plant 6 seeds at the base of each pole. Grow and fertilize like bush beans. Optimum soil temperature range for germination: 65-85°F. Days to emergence: 8-16.
HARVEST: Due to their continuous growth habit, pole beans are always at different stages of development. Keep the plants well picked to increase overall yields. A 15-20 foot row feeds a family of 4. Plant more for canning or freezing.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 80%. Usual seed life: 2-3 years. One ounce plants 12-15 row feet, 1/2 pound for 100 row feet; 1/2 pound is 8 ounces. Seed counts are listed in the variety description.

Sampler: 1 ounce
Packet: 2 ounces.


Key to Bean Disease Resistance/Tolerance
A...Resistant to Anthracnose
BV...Resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Viruses
R...Tolerant to Rust
CTV...Tolerant to Curly Top Virus

SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 80%. Usual seed life: 2-3 years. One ounce typically sows 12-15 row feet; 1/2 pound is 8 ounces. Seed counts are listed in the variety descriptions.

Sampler: 1 ounce
Packet: 2 ounces"

   Open Pollinated