Runner bean ‘Sunset’ (Phaseolus coccineus) is a long-fruiting climbing bean variety that combines excellent flavor with outstanding decorative value. It is an ideal solution for gardeners wishing to save space and grow vegetables vertically while creating lush, flowering walls in the garden.
The plants are very vigorous, reaching up to 4 meters in height under favorable conditions. Therefore, they require a strong and stable support – whether it be a pergola, netting, a high fence, or a specially constructed wooden frame. The variety stands out with beautiful peach-colored flowers that attract pollinators to the garden. Fresh bean pods are well-suited for culinary processing, and the mature pink bean seeds with black spots and stripes have an excellent taste. The first harvest can be gathered approximately 100 days after sowing.
Usage and Cultivation Instructions:
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Sowing time: Direct sowing outdoors in May or June, when the soil has warmed (at least +10 °C) and the danger of late spring night frosts has completely passed.
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Location: Sunny, warm, and protected from winds. Suitable for cultivation in open ground, greenhouses, and also in sufficiently deep and large containers on terraces or balconies.
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Sowing depth: 3–4 cm.
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Spacing: Sow the seeds so that the distance between plants in a row is about 8 cm and the row spacing is 40 cm. When planting in hills or circles around a support pole, leave enough space for ventilation between plants.
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Harvest: From July to September.
Tips and recommendations:
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Ensure that supports or climbing nets are installed before sowing or immediately after to avoid damaging the root systems of emerging plants later.
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As common beans are extremely sensitive to night frosts, sowings made in late May should initially be covered with horticultural fleece. This retains heat and accelerates germination.
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To accelerate seed emergence, you may soak them in room-temperature water for 12–24 hours before sowing. Always sow soaked seeds into moist soil.