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Runner Bean Seed 'Polestar'

Description

Here is everyone's favourite with a better habit, excellent flavour and extended cropping - which, considering it is early to start cropping, makes this probably the variety to be growing.

Polestar produces very fleshy pods that also tends to be stringless too (unless you allow them to get so ridiculously long).

For the truly best flavour and sweetness pick when they are no longer than 6-8" (15-20 cm).

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• For Early Cropping
• Sow under protection in trays or modules in April.
• Set out when large enough to handle in late May or June 9" (23 cm) apart in rows 18" (45 cm) apart.
• Provide support for these to climb up to a height of around 6-8 feet (1.8 - 2.4 metres) using netting, a bamboo cane structure or similar.

• For Main Cropping
• Sow seeds in pairs mid May to mid July 9" (23 cm) apart in rows 18" (45 cm) apart. Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.
• Provide support for these to climb up to a height of around 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 metres) using netting, a bamboo cane structure or similar.

• For Runner Bean Teepees
• Using a dustbin lid or similar as a template, drive into the ground six eight foot canes and tie together at the top to produce a teepee effect.
• Plant 2 seeds 2" (5 cm) deep at the foot of each cane.

• Top Tips
• Runner beans are deep rooted and love a rich, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil so consider making a 'bean trench' over the winter.
• Don't be in a hurry to sow or plant outside early as Runner Beans don't like the cold. Seed will not germinate at a soil temperature below 50F (10C).
• Mulch around the plants to conserve water and keep well watered from flowering time onwards.
• Excessively warm temperatures, particularly at night may inhibit bean formation by preventing pollen grains from germinating. Whilst syringing flowers does not help pod set it may help cool the flowers if done late in the evening, though improved cropping should resume with cooler night temperatures.

Pricing

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How To...

How To Grow Sweetcorn, Beans and Squashes Using The Three Sisters Method
Detailed advice on how to plant and grow Sweetcorn, Squashes and Beans using the Three Sisters method.

How to Sow & Grow Beans
Detailed advice on sowing and growing beans of all kinds outside and under protection. Includes information on watering and pest control.

How To Videos

Edible Classroom - Growing Beans (Video)
A video lesson plan on sowing and growing French Beans in jam jars. Can be undertaken with both French Beans, Runner Beans and Broad Beans.

Edible Classroom - Planting Beans (Video)
Paul explains how to plant the Beans the children have grown and the activities that can stem from this.

General Information

A Note About Our Seed Packets & Seed Counts
Information on Victoriana's method of packeting seed, including information on the seed packets. Also details on Victoriana's seed guarantee.

Pollinator Friendly Plants
A detailed guide to the seeds and plants sold by Victoriana Nursery Gardens that will attract and provide a food source to bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.

Magazine Articles

Get Your Kids Into Gardening
An article about encouraging children to garden written by Stephen Shirley that appeared in Grow Your Own magazine

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