Sowing Indoors

Sow individual seeds in 8cm (3in) pots of seed and potting compost.  Keep the pots in a frost free greenhouse.  Ensure the compost remains moist at all times, but not saturated. 

Gradually accustom the young plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting them out to their cropping positions from late May onwards, when the danger of frost has passed.  Allow 30cm (12in) between plants in the row.

Sowing Outdoors

Sow individual seeds 5cm (2in) deep and 8cm (3in) apart.  Dwarf beans are usually sown in double rows with 30cm (12in) between each row. Each row then supports the other. They will require no further support. 

Dwarf runner bean seed is sensitive to cold, wet soils and will not germinate in unfavourable conditions.  We therefore recommend you do not sow seed outdoors before May.

Row Spacing

Sowing Distance

Aftercare

Runner beans require plenty of water to produce a good crop.  Water generously in dry spells.  They are generally disease and trouble free.