Whether as a mere privacy screen or for eating - runner beans make a lot with their scarlet flowers alone. So that it doesn't take too long until the harvest, you can prefer the runner beans!

If fire beans are preferred, they can be harvested earlier

When can it start?

Many an impatient gardener prefers runner beans in March. However, such an early preculture is not advisable. It is better if you prefer the runner beans at home from the middle/end of April. You can keep growing new plants until the beginning of July at the latest.

Soak the beans in water

The first (but not essential) step is to place the runner beans in a glass or bowl of water. The beans remain there for 12 to 48 hours. They soak up water and the germ inhibition is released. They will then germinate faster.

Sow the beans in pots and let them germinate

Continue as in this guide:

  • Fill 5 to 8 cm wide pots with potting soil (bowls are unsuitable due to the deep roots)
  • Sow seeds 2 to 3 cm deep, navel up
  • like to sow 3 to 5 seeds per seed hole
  • moisten the substrate

The runner beans germinate within 4 to 14 days in a warm and bright window seat, for example in the living room or in the kitchen (from May also on the balcony). Prerequisite: permanently slightly damp environment.

When the cotyledons become visible

When the cotyledons become visible, you are welcome to place the runner bean plants outside during the day. There they get used to direct sunlight and grow faster. The young plants can be planted out after 3 to 4 weeks. It is important that this does not happen before the ice saints! Otherwise there is a risk of frost damage.

tips

Preparing has the great advantage that, in contrast to direct sowing, the seedlings are not eaten up by snails and then die.

Category:

Vegetable garden