Hestia Dwarf Runner Beans

ANNUAL VINE

Summer/fall bloom with edible pods and seeds
Frost tender

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In spring, be very sure to wait until weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C), before planting well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. For bed planting, poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1 1/2 feet apart.

FOR CONTAINER PLANTING

Choose big pots at least 18 inches tall and 16-20 inches in diameter. Fill pots with fresh, moistened, good-quality potting mix. Sow seeds 3-4 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 7-10 days. Sow again in different pots a few weeks later for a longer season of bloom.

GROWING NOTES

Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Feed plants once a month with all-purpose fertilizer. Hestia’s blossoms are edible; enjoy as garnishes or or tasty salad additions. At the end of blooming season, let some flowers mature into bean pods and allow beans to completely dry in their pods to harvest and use for dried bean recipes.