How to Grow Runner Bean Enorma
Wikimedia Commons
Runner Bean Enorma
Phaseolus coccineus
vegetableRunner Bean Enorma is a vigorous climbing variety of runner bean known for producing exceptionally large, flat pods that can reach 12-14 inches in length. This heirloom cultivar is highly productive and valued for its tender, flavorful beans that are excellent for cooking fresh or storing dried. The plant produces bright red and white flowers that attract pollinators while the ornamental foliage makes it suitable for garden screens or trellises.
When should you plant Runner Bean Enorma in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Runner Bean Enorma timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Runner Bean Enorma
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Runner Bean Enorma
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Runner Bean Enorma dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; frost-tender annual treated as warm-season crop
Sign up free to see if Runner Bean Enorma grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Runner Bean Enorma timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants emerge with cotyledons, followed by first true leaves. Growth is relatively slow initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide support structure early or transplant seedlings started indoors after soil warming. Thin to proper spacing if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVigorous climbing growth with abundant heart-shaped foliage on twining stems. Plants reach 6-8 feet or taller. Stems rapidly climb support structure.
Ensure sturdy vertical or angled support (strings, trellises, poles). Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Flowering
2-3 weeks, with succession of bloomsShowy red and white flower clusters (inflorescences) appear along the stems. Flowers are attractive and attract bees and hummingbirds.
Ensure consistent moisture; uneven watering can cause flower drop. Continue supporting growth. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen as this encourages foliage at expense of flowers. Provide adequate sunlight for abundant flowering.
Pod Development & Growth
2-3 weeks per picking cycleFertilized flowers develop into long, flat, tender green pods. Pods grow rapidly, reaching full size (12-14 inches) within 10-14 days. Young pods are bright green, becoming darker as they mature.
Maintain consistent moisture and regular watering. Continue fertilizing with balanced or slightly higher potassium formula to support pod development. Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production. Support structure must handle increasing pod weight.
Harvest & Production
4-8 weeks (productive season extends until first frost)Mature pods ready for harvest; plant continues flowering and producing new pods if regularly picked. Later in season, some pods can be left to mature for dried beans.
Harvest pods when they reach 6-8 inches (or up to 12-14 inches for larger beans) by gently pulling or cutting. Regular harvesting extends production season into fall. Near season end, allow some pods to fully mature and dry on plant for seed saving.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
-
Mist foliage regularly, increase humidity, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, remove heavily infested leaves
-
Hand-pick beetles and eggs, use row covers on young plants, spinosad spray, encourage native parasitoid wasps
-
and
Hand-pick at night, beer traps, copper barriers, encourage ground beetles, remove hiding spots
-
Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, insecticidal soap, reflective mulches
-
and
(fungal diseases)
Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage when watering, remove infected leaves, rotate crops yearly, use disease-resistant seed
Uses
Fresh vegetable cooking
CulinaryYoung tender pods are excellent steamed, boiled, sautéed, or roasted. The large flat beans are prized in British cuisine and can be prepared whole or shelled and eaten as fresh beans. Flavor is mild and nutty when young. [source]
Dried beans for storage
CulinaryMature dried beans store for months and are used in soups, stews, curries, and traditional dishes. Dried runner bean Enorma have excellent keeping qualities and reconstitute well in cooking. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe bright red and white flowers are highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making this an excellent ornamental vegetable for gardens seeking to support beneficial insects. [source]
Garden screening and structure
HouseholdThe vigorous vining habit and abundant foliage make Runner Bean Enorma an effective living screen or privacy barrier when grown on trellises, fences, or pergolas while simultaneously producing food. [source]
Nutritional properties
MedicinalRunner beans are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals including folate and manganese. They provide sustained energy and support digestive health when included in regular diet. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when they are young and tender, typically 6-8 inches long, for the most delicate flavor and texture. Pods can be picked up to 12-14 inches for Enorma variety. Harvest regularly (every 2-3 days during peak season) to encourage continuous flowering and production. Use scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plant. For dried beans, leave pods on the plant until they turn brown and papery; shell and store in cool, dry conditions. Harvesting season typically runs 4-8 weeks until first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Runner Bean Enorma is an heirloom variety that has been grown for generations, prized by gardeners for producing some of the largest runner bean pods available, sometimes exceeding 14 inches in length.
- 🌱 The plant gets its common name 'runner bean' from its vigorous running/climbing growth habit—it can easily grow 8-12 feet tall in a single season and will continue climbing as long as support is available.
- 🌱 Runner beans are toxic when raw due to phaseolunatin (a cyanogenic compound) but become completely safe and delicious when properly cooked, with brief boiling destroying the compound.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Runner Bean Enorma planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Runner Bean Enorma seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Runner Bean Enorma timeline →