Red Peanut beans, also known as Pink Half Runner, are a dual-purpose bean that can be used fresh as snap beans or left to mature for dry beans. These beans have a distinctive pink color and develop a mild, nutty flavor when cooked. Ideal for the home garden, Red Peanut beans add variety and unique color to soups, salads, and casseroles.
Key Features
- Dual-Purpose: Suitable for fresh or dry use.
- Nutty Flavor: Adds depth to dishes.
- Pink Color: Unique appearance in the garden and kitchen.
Runner Bean Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow runner bean seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 50°F.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot, although runner beans can tolerate light shade. They thrive in well-draining, fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8â€"10 inches, incorporating compost to enhance fertility and drainage.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep, spacing them about 6 inches apart.
- Provide a trellis, pole, or other support structure, as runner beans have a climbing habit and can reach 8-10 feet.
- Thinning: Not necessary, as runner beans are spaced for mature plants.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod formation, as runner beans are sensitive to dry conditions.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start seeds indoors about 2-3 weeks before the last frost if needed.
- Containers: Use deep pots to allow for root growth, as runner beans can struggle with transplanting.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep, with 1 seed per pot.
- Cover with soil mix and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 70-75°F for 7-10 days until seedlings emerge.
- Transplanting: Transplant outdoors after the last frost date and when soil temperatures reach at least 50F. Place each plant 6 inches apart with ample climbing support.
General Care Tips for Runner Beans
- Sunlight: Provide full sun to light shade.
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially when beans are flowering, as dry conditions can reduce yield.
- Fertilizing: Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer at planting, but avoid high nitrogen, which can reduce flowering.
- Pollination: Runner beans are cross-pollinated by insects, unlike most beans. Plant flowers are attractive to pollinators, and good pollination will increase yield.
