Runner Beans in Oxford
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Runner Bean
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds Indoors
22 Mar – 3 MaySow seeds around 22nd March - 3rd May 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.
Set Up Supports
12 Apr – 3 MayPut supports in place from 12th April 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.
Plant Out Seedlings
26 Apr – 10 MayHarden plants off first, then plant out from 26th 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.
Water and Feed
3 May – 6 Octevery 2 weeksFrom 3rd May, 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.
Pick Pods
26 Jul – 6 Octevery 3 daysStart picking from 26th July as soon as pods are long and well filled but still tender. Pick every few days through 6th October 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.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Runner Bean timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.