A premium British-bred variety with striking red flowers, Runner Bean 'Benchmaster' delivers impressively long pods measuring over 40cm (16") each. These pods occur abundantly in clusters, boasting a slender, smooth, and straight profile. For exhibition purposes, thinning to one pod per flower stem can enhance the length of each bean. Rich in Vitamin C, folate, iron, and fibre, runner beans offer nutritional benefits. Additionally, Runner Bean 'Benchmaster' is well-suited for freezing. Reaching a height of 3m (10') and spreading 30cm (12"), it thrives with companion planting—pair with sweet peas to attract pollinating insects and nasturtiums to deter aphids from your crop. Supplied as 1 x packet of 40 seeds. For indoor sowing, sow the seeds in mid-April at a depth of 5cm (2") in 7.5cm (3") pots or trays filled with well-draining seed compost. Place them in a propagator or seal them inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) until they germinate, usually in 7-10 days. Once germinated, grow the runner beans in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and they are large enough to transplant. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting them in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny or semi-shaded area, ensuring protection from strong winds. Avoid freshly manured soil, as it can encourage lush foliage rather than bean production. Alternatively, you can directly sow the runner beans outdoors from late May to July. Plant the seeds at a depth of 5cm (2") and a distance of 30cm (12") apart. If space allows, plant them in rows that are 1.5m (5') apart; otherwise, grow them on a wigwam structure. Remember to provide support for the runner beans using garden canes, strings, or netting at the time of planting.