Mr Fothergill's RUNNER BEAN Mergoles

Runner bean mergoles seed by Mr. Fothergill's. High-quality, succulent pods. Sets well in almost all conditions. Yields abundant long, fleshy pods which taste delicious and freeze well.

Useful Information: Vitamin C; Dietary fibre; Folate.

Sow and Grow:

Sow indoors for surest results April-May, 2.5 cm deep into individual pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20 degree C (60-68 degree F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 25 cm apart, during May-June when frosts are over. Allow 45 cm between rows. Or sow outdoors May-July for ease, where they are to crop, 5 cm deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-cultivated, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Delay sowing if soil is cold or waterlogged. Sow two seeds together, 30 cm between each position. Allow 45 cm between rows. Thin to leave stronger plant. Water well until plants are established. Harvest: July-October.

Hints and Tips:

Delay sowing if soil is cold or waterlogged. Runner beans make an attractive feature in the flower border if space is limited elsewhere. Ideal for deep freezing.

Care and Cultivation:

Provide poles or netting for plants to climb. Pick beans regularly to encourage further cropping.