Phaseolus coccineus var. Scarlet Emperor - Runner Bean - Seeds

Description

• Fabaceae Fabales
• South America to Mexico
• H 3m x 1m L
•  Z8 
• Perennial
• 1 packet of 7 seeds

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Details

Phaseolus coccineus is a Perennial runner Bean, grown as an annual in temperate climates

The plant sets a tuberous tap root from which it grows back each year if care is taken to protect it from frost

Phaseolus coccineus is usually grown as an ornamental for its red or white flowers in clusters and its rapid growth

It is a very ornamental covering plant that will populate any support with a wide nice green foliage in just a few weeks

People usually ignore that the young pod is edible

It is in fact very delicious, and tastes even better than usual green beans

It is a traditional ingredient for Paella

Warning
Consumption of the mature seed requires precaution and a procedure to neutralize the toxic principles contained in its skin
Consequently, it is not advisable to consume the seed

Scarlet Emperor is an old variety, gorgeous, rarely offered in nursery catalogs

It will surprise you with its vigor and abundance of bright carmine flowering in exceptionally long clusters, very attractive to pollinating insects

Fresh seeds are huge, purple with thick black marbles, very decorative and can be used in dry compositions

About 2 to 5 seeds per pod

Mature pod length may reach 30 cm

Scarlet Emperor Runner Bean is a remarkable plant to have in your vegetable garden or as an ornamental to quickly cover a fence or a pergola

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Cultivation

Sow in warm soil in May, directly in place, 2-3 seeds per location 5 cm deep

Germination will be faster if you soak the seeds 24 hours in a glass of water

Protect the seedlings from mice, slugs and birds - you may prefer to start the plants in pots in the nursery

Flowering from June until the first autumn frosts

Harvest the young pods when they reach 10-15 cm for eating as a green bean, and always before seed formation (the pod becomes unpleasantly fibrous and hard)