Runner Beans in Mumbles

Phaseolus coccineus

Runner Bean
Runner Bean · Phaseolus coccineus

A tender climbing bean for a warm, sheltered spot in the UK. Sow indoors from mid spring or direct sow once the soil has warmed, then plant out after frost with sturdy supports and keep well watered for a long picking period.

250 cm · Full Sun · High Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Mumbles · last frost ≈ 28 Mar

Sow indoors March to April, plant out April to May, harvest July to November. Frost risk November to March.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Runner Bean

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    21 Mar to 4 Apr

    Sow seeds around 21st March - 4th April in deep pots or root trainers, about deep. Keep them in a warm spot and water just enough to keep the compost evenly moist, not wet.

  2. 02

    Set Up Supports

    28 Mar to 18 Apr

    Put supports in place from 28th March before you plant out. Use strong canes, netting or a wigwam, because runner beans climb fast and get awkward to fit around a finished support.

  3. 03

    Plant Out Seedlings

    18 Apr to 2 May

    Harden plants off first, then plant out from 18th April once frost danger has passed and the soil feels warm. Space them apart, set them against the supports, and water in thoroughly straight away.

  4. 04

    Water and Feed

    25 Apr to 28 Nov every 2 weeks

    From 25th April, water well whenever the top of the soil starts to dry out, especially once flowers open and pods begin to form. A mulch helps hold moisture and keeps the crop steadier in a dry spell.

  5. 05

    Pick Pods

    18 Jul to 28 Nov every 3 days

    Start picking from 18th July as soon as pods are long and well filled but still tender. Pick every few days through 28th November to keep the plants cropping, and keep checking closely because old pods slow new flower production.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Runner Bean.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Runner Bean to consider

Czar

A reliable white-flowered runner bean with good pod set and a steady crop in a sheltered UK garden.

Lady Di

A modern all-rounder with smooth pods and decent disease tolerance for home growing.

St George

A red-flowered runner bean with good flavour and long, straight pods.

Scarlet Emperor

A traditional, vigorous climber that flowers freely and crops well if picked young.

Runner Bean guides by town

See how Runner Bean timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.