New 2008

British breeding from the same stable as the ever popular Red Rum. Red flowers produce excellent quality, slim, straight smooth pods up to 28cm (11in) long of very good flavour and which are stringless when young. Has a good tolerance of high temperatures for flower setting.

Sow Mid April indoors for transplanting or sow late April to late June outdoors. Sow in 7.5cm (3in) pots at 18-20C (64-68F), 4cm (1½in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which takes 7-10 days.

Can also be sown direct outdoors once the soil has warmed, 15cm (6in) apart, 5cm (2in) deep and in rows 45cm (18in) apart.

Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days before planting out after all risk of frost, against support such as canes or netting.

Hoe regularly and keep plants well watered. Mulch during dry periods.

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.