Runner Bean ‘Desiree’ Is the ideal runner bean for producing heavy crops of large, broad pods (30cm – 12 in) that will be complimented by delicate pure white flowers! You can expect these delicious beans to be ready to harvest in sunny August and September, where you can add these to multiple dishes! Companion planting: Try growing runner beans with sweet peas to attract pollinating insects to the flowers, and Nasturtiums to draw aphids away from your crop. Sow runner bean seed indoors from mid April for transplanting later on, or direct sow out-doors from late May to July. Indoors, sow seed at a depth of 5cm (2") in 7.5cm (3") pots or trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost.. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting runner beans outdoors in rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun or semi shade with protection from strong winds. Avoid freshly manured soil which will promote lush foliage instead of beans. When growing runne