Thompson & Morgan Runner Bean Snowstorm

A tasty self setting variety, Runner Bean ‘Snowstorm’ is the white flowered counterpart of ‘Firestorm’, showing a higher percentage of ‘self setting’ and a longer pod than ‘Moonlight’. Masses of pure white flowers, this will look just at home in the flower border as well as the vegetable plot.

How to sow

Indoors, sow seed at a depth of 5cm (2in) in 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) until germination which takes 7-10 days. Alternatively direct sow runner beans outdoors at a depth of 5cm (2in) and a distance of 30cm (12in) apart. Plant runner beans in rows that are 1.5m (5ft) apart, or where space is limited, grow beans onto a wigwam structure. Runner beans require support from garden canes, strings or netting which should be put in place at the time of planting.

How to grow

Once germinated, grow runner beans on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and runner bean plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over a few days before planting outdoors in rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun or semi shade with protection from strong winds. Avoid freshly manured soil which will promote lush foliage instead of beans.

Additional information

• Harvesting period: July to October
• Pack contents (approx.): 30 seeds