Seed Savers Painted Lady Improved Runner Bean

(aka Bicolor Runner, Painted Runner) Friar Antonio de Arrabida described this species in Flora of Rio de Janeiro in 1827. Incredibly beautiful bi-colored blossoms are very attractive to hummingbird moths. This strain is less affected by warmer temperatures than other runner beans and is a prolific bloomer. Esteemed as both an ornamental and edible climber.

• 68 days
• Conventional
• Pole bean
• Bi-colored blossoms attract hummingbirds
• Beans are black and speckled with tan edges
• Esteemed as both an ornamental and edible climber
• Tolerates heat
• 25 seeds

This variety works for:

• Fresh eating
• Baking
• Roasting
• Soups
• Ornamental

As your runner beans are maturing, you can either prepare the young pods or shell them and toss the fresh seeds into salads with mint, feta, and hulled corn. You can also add the flowers to salads or use them as a garnish.

Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Runner beans prefer full sun, although they tolerate part shade very well. Young pods can be eaten whole, or the beans can be eaten fresh or dried. Even the flowers are edible.

• Direct Seed: 2" Apart
• Seed Depth: 1"
• Rows Apart: 24-36"
• Support: Trellis, tepee, or netting