Runner Bean Seeds,
Sunset

Plant Sunset runner beans after the last frost when soil temperatures have reached at least 60 F, ideally 60-85 F. In most regions, this is late spring. If your season is short, you can start seeds indoors no more than 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost in deep cells or pots and transplant carefully without disturbing the roots. Like all runner beans, Sunset prefers mild weather and sets pods poorly once days stay above about 90 F and nights above 70 F, so time your sowing to put the plants into bloom before or after peak summer heat rather than in the middle of it. In hot-summer regions a late-summer sowing works where its 65-70 days to maturity can finish before the first fall frost. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart. If starting indoors, use peat pots to avoid disturbing the roots during transplanting. Provide support structures like trellises or teepees at planting time, as these beans are vigorous climbers. Ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily​.

Sunset runner beans require regular watering and benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture. Fertilize with a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer once the plants start flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of bean production. Regularly check for pests such as aphids and slugs, and use organic pest control methods as needed.

• This is a self-pollinating bean that can on occasion be insect pollinated. To prevent crossing between different runner bean varieties, isolate by 500 feet.
• Allow pods to brown and dry. Beans are ready for saving when they are so hard that your fingernail cannot dent them.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
• Runner bean vines also produce a tuber that can be dug in fall and saved over winter. This can be replanted in spring and plants will establish and bloom earlier.