Runner Bean, Scarlet runner
Phaseolus coccineus

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Phaseolus coccineus is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Not known

Southern N. America - Mexico.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Immature seedpods - raw or cooked. They have a pleasant mild flavour and are widely used as a vegetable in many areas of the world. They can be added to salads, cooked as a vegetable or added to soups, stews etc. The immature seed is used like shelled beans as a vegetable. The protein-rich mature seeds can be dried and stored for future use. They need to be thoroughly cooked before being eaten in order to destroy a toxic principle. They are soaked for 12 hours prior to use and are eaten boiled or added to soups etc. The seed can also be ground into a powder and added to cereal flours for making protein-enriched bread etc. Flowers - raw. A bean-like taste. Young leaves - cooked and used as a potherb. Root - cooked. Rich in starch. Another report says that the root is poisonous. Carbon Farming - Staple Crop: protein.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Nitrogen. Carbon Farming - Agroforestry Services: nitrogen. Attracts hummingbirds.

Agroforestry Services: Nitrogen: Plants that contribute to nitrogen fixation include the legume family – Fabaceae.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Minor Global Crop: These crops are already grown or traded around the world, but on a smaller scale than the global perennial staple and industrial crops, The annual value of a minor global crop is under $1 billion US. Examples include shea, carob, Brazil nuts and fibers such as ramie and sisal.

Staple Crop: Protein: (16+ percent protein, 0-15 percent oil). Annuals include beans, chickpeas, lentils, cowpeas, and pigeon peas. Perennials include perennial beans, nuts, leaf protein concentrates, and edible milks.

Agroforestry Services: Nitrogen: Plants that contribute to nitrogen fixation include the legume family – Fabaceae.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

As an annual suites hardiness zones 1-12. Heat zone: 12-1. As a perennial hardiness zones 10-12. Requires a warm sheltered sunny position in a rich well-drained soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season. Dislikes heavy, wet or acid soils. Prefers a pH in the range 6 to 7. The runner bean is commonly cultivated in many parts of the world for its edible seeds and immature seedpods, there are many named varieties. Most varieties are climbing plants but some dwarf forms have been developed. Plants are perennials but are often grown as annuals, especially in the temperate zone. Plants flower under long day conditions, which is ideal for temperate regions. When grown for their edible pods, the immature pods should be harvested regularly in order to promote extra flower production and therefore higher yields. The perennial roots will survive mild winters outdoors in many parts of the country, especially if given a protective mulch in late autumn, they will then give an earlier but lighter crop the following year. They can also be dug up in late autumn and stored like dahlias in a cool but frost free place over winter and replanted in the following spring. The plants might need some protection from slugs since these creatures adore the young shoots in the spring. Runner beans grow well with carrots, cauliflowers, cucumbers, cabbage, leek and celeriac. They are inhibited by alliums and fennel growing nearby. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Carbon Farming - Cultivation: regional crop. Management: standard. Phaseolus coccineus ssp.polyanthus (Cache Bean) is also worth considering as a carbon farming plant. It is similar to Phaseolus coccineus but more suited to tropical highlands and semi-arid conditions.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in mid spring in a greenhouse. Germination should take place within 10 days. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring though it may not ripen its seed in a cool summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 1-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Large quantities of the raw mature seed are poisonous. The toxins play a role in protecting the plant from insect predation.

Its other names

Local names

Runner Bean, Scarlet Runner Bean, Scarlet Conqueror, Fire Bean, Mammoth, Red Giant. Phaseolus coccineus ssp.polyanthus (Cache Bean).

Synonyms

P. multiflorus.

Runner Bean, Scarlet runner Phaseolus coccineus