Heavy crops of long smooth textured dark-green 30-37cm (12-15in pods). Excellent for freezing and exhibition.

Prefers to be grown in fertile, moist yet well drained soil which has had plenty of well rotted compost dug into it the previous autumn. For an an early start sow from mid spring in artificial heat (propagator, greenhouse, warm room) in peat pots and plant out after last expected frost. Outdoors do not sow until at least 10 days after last frost, 5cm (2in) deep. Sow 2 seeds every 30cm (12in) in rows 38cm (15in) apart.

Remove weaker seedlings after germination. Make sure your soil is warm and avoid it becoming baked hard. Water regularly and liquid feed every 14 days during mid summer. A thick mulch will help conserve moisture.

Pick the beans regularly a little on the young side to ensure top quality and prolonged cropping.

Cook Runner Beans for the minimum of time until tender as one-third of vitamins and some flavour is lost if overcooked. Runner Beans are a good source of Vitamin C, folate and iron and have a high fibre content.