A cross between a runner bean and a French bean 'Polestar', has the best of both and being self-fertile, you can rely on a bountiful harvest of top quality, fresh and tasty beans. With its bright scarlet flowers, it brings a splash or fiery colour to the vegetable plot and wouldn't look out of place in flower borders. A popular and reliable variety, the long, straight beans have a scrumptious sweet flavour and firm texture. Growing up to 25cm (10in) and being stringless, they are perfect when lightly steamed or boiled. A heavy cropping variety, 'Firestorm' will produce armfuls of delicious fresh beans for your kitchen and there will undoubtedly be lots lets over for freezing. Runner beans are highly nutritious and rich in vitamin C and a good source of fibre. Trim and blanch surplus crops to store in an airtight container or bag in the freezer. They will freeze well, retaining good flavour and texture when cooked from frozen. Fully deserving its coveted RHS Award of Garden Meri