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This guide is for home gardeners seeking a reliable and productive runner bean variety. The Lady Di runner bean offers heavy crops of delicious, stringless pods that remain tender for longer, making harvesting easier and extending your yield. A key caveat is that these beans are sensitive to cold, wet soil, so proper sowing conditions are essential for germination. Lady Di is an organic, red-flowered variety known for its heat tolerance and RHS pollinator classification, producing long, fleshy beans that are slow to develop seeds.
| Model Part Number | Lady Di |
|---|---|
| Brand | Unwins |
Sow from April to June. For an earlier crop, sow indoors in pots from April and plant out after the risk of frost has passed (late May). Outdoors, sow direct from mid-May once the soil has warmed.
Runner beans are climbers and require a support structure. This can be canes arranged in a wigwam or double row, netting, or a trellis. Ensure the support is sturdy and placed before or during sowing.
Runner beans need consistent moisture. Water generously, especially during dry spells and when the plants are flowering and setting fruit. Aim for deep watering rather than frequent shallow sprinkles.
Yes, Lady Di can be grown in large containers, at least 75 cm in diameter, provided they have good drainage and adequate support.
Even stringless varieties can become tough if left on the plant too long. For the best flavour and texture, pick the beans young and tender, typically when they reach 15-20 cm in length.
Yes, Unwins Runner Bean Lady Di seeds are certified organic and ideal for use in an organic garden.
Surplus crops can be frozen. Slice the beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain, cool them completely, and then bag for freezing.
Ensure soil temperature is adequate (above 12°C) and not waterlogged. Avoid sowing in cold, wet conditions. Check seed depth; 5 cm is recommended.
Ensure consistent watering. Try spraying flowers with water in the mid-day sun to encourage pollination and fruit set. Ensure the plants are in a sunny, sheltered location.
Harvest beans more frequently, ideally when they are young and tender (around 15-20 cm). This encourages the plant to produce more flowers and beans.
Ensure adequate support structures are in place. Gently guide young tendrils towards the support if needed.
Sowing Indoors:
For an earlier start, sow individual seeds in 8 cm pots filled with potting compost. Keep pots on a sunny windowsill, in a propagator, or a greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 12°C. Ensure the compost remains moist but not waterlogged.
Hardening Off & Planting Out:
Gradually acclimate young plants to outdoor conditions over 2-3 weeks before planting out from late May onwards, once the risk of frost has passed. Provide support structures like canes (tied in double rows or a wigwam formation) or a large container (at least 75 cm in diameter) before planting.
Sowing Outdoors:
Sow seeds directly into the desired harvest position, 5 cm deep, next to a cane support or in a large container once the risk of frost has passed. Ensure the soil is well-manured before sowing.
Aftercare:
Runner beans require generous watering, especially during dry spells. An occasional mid-day spray with a fine hose when plants are in full flower can encourage better flower and bean set. The plants will naturally climb and twine around their supports.
Compatibility:
Suitable for most garden soils that are well-drained and fertile. Thrives in sunny, sheltered positions.
Care:
Runner beans are generally disease-free. The primary care involves consistent watering, providing support, and regular harvesting to encourage further production.
