Wisley Magic won an RHS AGM in the 1999 Runner Bean trials and was voted 'The Best on Trial' as it produced the heaviest yield of quality beans over a long picking season. Attractive bright red flowers produce long smooth, slender pods, easily reaching 35cm (14in) long. Although not stringless, Wisley Magic has a low fibre content and a superior flavour - that 'old fashioned' runner bean taste.

Sow mid April indoors for transplanting or sow May to early July outdoors.

Indoors sow seed, 5cm (2 inches) deep in 7.5cm (3 inch) pots or trays of good free draining, seed compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 18-20C (64-68F) until after germination which takes 7 to 10 days.

Outdoors can be sown direct once the soil has warmed, sow 15cm (6 inches) apart, 5cm (2 inches) deep and in rows 45cm (18 inches) apart.

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.

Gradually acclimatise indoor grown plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out after all risk of frost, against canes or netting.

Hoe regularly and keep well watered. Mulch during dry periods. Pick beans regularly when young.

Steam beans to maintain the healthy nutrients