Runner Bean Painted Lady is a beautiful, classic runner bean variety that offers a unique combination of ornamental value and culinary quality. The plant immediately attracts attention with its beautiful two-tone flowers in red and white, which give the garden a charming appearance and are also highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Runner Bean Painted Lady is a vigorous climber. Therefore, provide the plant with sturdy support, such as a trellis, netting, or tall poles. During the flowering period, this runner bean produces many new flowers, followed by a generous harvest of delicious pods. Painted Lady is also a highly versatile bean in the kitchen. The young, tender pods can be prepared like green beans: briefly boiled or steamed, they retain their delicate flavour and crisp texture. They are delicious served with a knob of butter and fresh herbs, but are also excellent for stir-fries, salads, soups, and stews.
If the pods are allowed to mature further, the seeds can be harvested as dried beans. They have a rich, creamy flavour and are ideal for hearty winter dishes such as bean soups, casseroles, chilli, and other recipes where beans take centre stage. With its striking flowers, high yield, and versatile culinary uses, Runner Bean Painted Lady is a valuable addition to both the ornamental garden and the vegetable garden. Non hardy annual. Height: 250 - 350 cm.
Indoor sowing: mid April - end of April
Outdoor sowing: end of April - June
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp. 15 -20 °C
Sowing depth: 3 - 5 cm
Planting distance: 15 - 20 cm
Distance between the rows: 30 - 75 cm
Plant position: full sun - light shade
Days till harvest: 84 - 98 days
Harvesting period: August - October
Runner beans are vigorous, fast-growing climbing plants that thrive in a warm, sunny location. They grow best in fertile, well-drained soil that retains sufficient moisture. Because of their vigorous growth, the plants require sturdy support such as bean poles, a trellis or netting. Sow runner beans directly outdoors from late April through June, once the risk of night frost has almost disappeared and the soil has warmed to at least 10 °C. For an earlier harvest, seeds can be started indoors or in an unheated greenhouse from mid-April in individual pots. Transplant the young plants outdoors only after all risk of frost has passed.
Sow the seeds 3 - 5 cm deep. Allow 15 - 20 cm between plants and 60 - 75 cm between rows. When growing on bean poles or a wigwam, sow 5–8 seeds evenly around each pole. Keep the soil evenly moist after sowing, but avoid prolonged waterlogging. Runner beans grow rapidly and will naturally climb once the shoots find support. If necessary, gently guide young shoots around the poles until they begin to twine by themselves. Water regularly during dry periods, especially while the plants are flowering and forming pods. A consistent moisture supply promotes better pod set and well-filled pods.
The first young pods are usually ready for harvest 12 - 14 weeks after sowing. For fresh beans, harvest the pods when the seeds are fully developed but still tender. If you wish to harvest dried beans, leave the pods on the plant until they have fully ripened and turned brown and dry. Harvest them in dry weather and, if necessary, allow the beans to dry for a few more days before storing. Like other legumes, runner beans fix nitrogen from the air, helping to improve soil fertility. A sunny location, adequate watering and regular harvesting will ensure a long harvesting season and abundant yields.
