Runner Bean 'Scarlet Emperor' consists of red flowers and smooth, green pods of 30-37cm in length. They are brilliant for freezing and used for exhibition. Runner beans are known as a great source of Vitamin C, folate and iron and high levels of fibre. They can be grown with sweet peas to attract pollinating insects to the crop. Sow runner bean seed indoors from mid April for transplanting later on, or direct sow outdoors 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. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) until germination which takes 7-10 days. Once germinated, grow runner beans on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and runner bean plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting runner beans outdoors in rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun