SEEDS

Extremely high yielding and produces uniform, straight yellow beans around 13cm (5in) long that are neatly distributed on the outside of the plant, making them easy to pick. These delicious beans retain their colour when cooked. Plants boast good disease resistance including against Mosaic Virus.Sow April-July in pots or trays on a windowsill or in a greenhouse using good quality compost. Cover seeds with 4cm (2in) of compost. (Germination 7-21 days).Grow on, planting in containers or outside in the garden May-July, allowing 20cm (8in) between plants, and providing protection until frost risk has passed. Alternatively, sow directly into prepared, warm, moist soil at a depth of 5cm (2in), thinning as necessary to 20cm (8in) between plants. Allow 60cm between rows. Grows best in a sunny position.Hoe/weed between plants often and water regularly. Provide a compost mulch around the base to combat dry periods. For the best crops harvest beans regularly while the pods are still young

At last, a purple podded bean which bears its pods above the main foliage. This makes picking easier and ensures improved cropping of long straight pods with less soil splashing etc. Dwarf French Bean Purple Teepee produces pods that are approximately 6in long, stringless and slender with that intangible but appreciated zing to the flavour that many vegetable growers agree only comes to the purple podded types. Pods turn brilliant emerald green in boiling water. Quick maturing.For an early crop sow seeds in heat in mid spring 6 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Sow seeds individually in 7.5cm (3in) pots at 18-21C (65-70F). Otherwise sow seeds outdoors during late spring when the soil is warm and after all danger of frost. They are sensitive to low soil temperatures and sowing should be delayed until the soil has warmed up. Sow two seeds 5cm (2in) deep at 23cm (9in) intervals in rows 46-60cm (18-24in) apart in good garden soil raked to a fine tilth.Remove the weaker seedlings after germination. Hoe regularly and keep well watered and mulched in dry spells.Harvest regularly while the pods are still young for the best crops.

Bountiful yields of slender ‘extra fine’ beans over a long period. Perfect in patio containers, raised beds or in the garden. Harvest regularly to encourage more flowers to set and prolong season.GROWING ON: Grow on, planting outside or protecting with cloches until frost risk has passed, 20cm (8in) between plants. Alternatively sow direct into prepared, warm, moist soil at a depth of 38mm (1½in), thinning as necessary to 20cm (8in) between plants. Allow 60cm (24in) between rows. Grows best in rich soil in a sunny position, pods well held above soil. Produces slim beans over a long period if picked daily and kept well watered during dry weather.Mix includes: Compass, Adoration and Mistik

"A superb variety with all the best characteristics of modern runner beans, but on dwarf plants. Runner Bean Hestia is early to crop, often before standard types, with a good yield of tasty, long, straight, stringless pods, held above the soil to avoid disease. Dwarf Runner Bean Hestia is ideal for small gardens, large containers and borders where its bicoloured flowers of red and white make an attractive addition.Suitable For Freezing"Prefers to be grown in fertile, moist yet well drained soil which has had plenty of well rotted compost dug into it the previous autumn. For an early start sow seeds from mid spring (April) in artificial heat at a temperature of 15-18C (60-65F) (propagator, greenhouse, warm room) in peat pots and plant out after last expected frost. Outdoors do not sow until at least 10 days after last frost 5cm (2in) deep. Sowing can normally be carried out in May and June. Sow 2 seeds every 23cm (9in) in rows 60cm (24in) apart.Remove weaker seedlings after germination. Make sure soil is warm and avoid it becoming baked hard. In very exposed conditions provide some twiggy sticks for support.Water regularly and liquid feed every 14 days during the mid summer. A thick mulch will help conserve moisture. Pick the beans regularly a little on the young side to ensure top quality and prolonged cropping.