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Benchmaster
Runner Beans in the UK
An exhibition variety that lives up to its name, producing very long, smooth pods. If you fancy showing off your growing skills, this one's for you.
Sow window for Runner Beans generally.
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How to grow it
You can get your runner beans going indoors in May, sticking a seed about 5 cm deep in a small pot of compost. Keep 'em warm on a windowsill, like. Or, if you're feeling brave and the risk of a late frost has passed, usually late May or June up here in the North East, you can sow them straight into the ground. Space them about 15-20 cm apart. We sow a few every couple of weeks, you know, for a steady supply.
Once your indoor seedlings have a few proper leaves, you'll want to harden them off for a week or two before planting them out after the last frost. Give them plenty of space, maybe 20-30 cm between plants, and make sure they've got some strong supports ready. Canes in a wigwam are classic, or netting works a treat, they'll climb up a good couple of metres, no bother.
More Runner Beans varieties
Track your Runner Beans from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.