Where we live, in inland Canterbury, it’s more like 3-4 months. However, it is frost tender and will rot in cold, wet soils. Vigorous, will continue to produce late in the season, tolerating colder weather and even resisting a light frost. Cut or snip beans, rather than pulling them, as it’s easy to damage the stems. Just scatter the seed (don't worry about the odd ones which are close up). Remove enough from the pack to sow individually with a 25cm spacing. Weather and the type of soil are the main factors concerning how to grow runner beans. Alternatively direct sow runner beans outdoors at a depth of 5cm (2") and a distance of 30cm (12") apart. Planting Dwarf French Beans. They were originally grown in Europe for their beautiful bright red flowers. Each individual plant produces close to a month-long harvest of table-ready beans in next to no time. How To Grow French Beans (Dwarf) Growing Dwarf French Beans. Climbing beans can grow many more pods than dwarf beans. French beans. Among the annual beans there are both dwarf and climbing forms. Or grow true dwarf beans. When your Beans have reached around 10cm tall they are ready to plant outside in the ground or in troughs. Although runner beans prefer a warm, sunny position - preferably sheltered from strong winds - they can tolerate light shade. However, it is harder to find seed for the bush beans. They like a well-dug, well-drained, compost-enriched soil. In the North Island and Nelson, beans can be sown from mid-October, with a later sowing in December-January to extend the harvest season. Step 2. Beans are divided into two main types called French and runner. For dwarf French beans, plant two seeds, 2.5cm (1in) deep, next to your support and about 5cm (2in) deep for climbing French and runner beans. Dwarf French beans are long-cropping, compact plants, ideal for a container. More advice on growing runner beans: The seeds are large and should be planted 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm.) We prefer runner beans as they have a more robust taste and texture than French beans: Once the beans are 15cm long, start picking. Fruit and vegetables. • seeds are a rather gorgeous purple colour, unlike the pale green seeds of French beans. Place the bean around 5 cm from the top and cover with compost. Sow dwarf beans 15-25cm apart in each direction. The runner bean suits my garden’s cool, North Canterbury climate better than dwarf snap beans. Peas and beans both prefer well drained, moist soils, with plenty of organic matter and a soil pH 6.0-7.5. borlotti beans) – leave pods on the plant until they start to change colour and dry out at the end of the season. • on 2.5m stakes set to lean inwards to form a tripod structure. They are highly decorative with rich foliage and prolific flowers they are perfect for the flower garden. Sow runner beans into toilet roll holders and place into a container. Dry beans stored up to three years can still be sown. Apply a soluble plant food, such as Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food when flowering starts. For dwarf beans: 20cm apart Plant out in mid spring If your plants arrive while it’s still a bit chilly, in April/early May, it’s worth planting them in pots and popping them in the greenhouse or on a windowsill until it warms up a bit. Apply a mulch of ... Plant in a sheltered site, as this will encourage bees to visit and pollinate the Runner bean plants. As the potatoes die back, the beans will help keep the soil shaded and cool. At the end of April sow a single bean seed, 4cm (1.5in) deep, in a 7.5cm (3in) pot filled with multipurpose compost. To grow runner beans you need a good, moisture-retentive soil, bamboo canes or similar support, and some twine to tie the bamboo canes together. Plant runner beans in rows that are 1.5m (5') apart, or where space is limited, grow beans onto a wigwam structure. Each plant yields a kilogram or more of beans. 3. Here’s how to sow dwarf French beans in three easy steps. Sunny, not exposed or windy. Weather and the type of soil are the main factors concerning how to grow runner beans. Lime the soil before planting if the pH level is below 6.5. For areas, it must be a partially shaded spot. Dwarf beans tend to grow in small bushy plants around 50cm in height. How to save Seeds from Runner Beans. Both have climbing and dwarf bush plants. • the stage at which they are eaten (dry or fresh). Just scatter the seed (don't worry about the odd ones which are close up). It is not necessary to tie these beans, as they will twine around anything close by.