Prunkbohne Gigantes

Season Overview

Description

The runner bean is a frost-sensitive, climbing legume that grows to a height of up to 3 m or more and requires a climbing support. As runner beans belong to the legume family, they can form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. They are therefore a good pre-crop for nutrient-requiring crops. Different varieties differ in color (green, pied, blue, yellow), pod size and number of seeds per pod. In Greece, these giant beans are traditionally prepared in a tomato sauce and baked in a dish called Gigantes Plaki. The large, white seeds have a buttery, mild taste and are very filling. The young runner beans can also be used like green beans. Botanically speaking, they are fire beans (Phaseolus coccineus). However, unlike many other varieties, they do not flower red but white. The plants also grow well in a cool climate. They can climb very high and their growth is 'gigantic'.

Growing tips

Due to their enormous climbing ability, climbing supports made of wood or corrugated wire at least 2 m high are necessary. You can sow approx. 6-10 seeds per climbing aid at intervals of approx. 10 cm between the seeds. There should be a distance of approx. 40-80 cm between the trellis poles, depending on the number of seeds per pole. You can increase the yield by harvesting regularly (every 2-4 days). Mounding up soil at a young stage ensures good root growth. Runner beans can serve as a windbreak for wind-sensitive crops. They have a high water requirement, but you should avoid waterlogging.

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Very humid

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

10 cm

Row spacing

50 cm

Seeding depth

3 cm