How to Clone a Runner Bean From Cuttings

Bean plants grow bright and lush during the summer season, with relatively long maturity dates and repeat harvests. Runner beans differ from bush beans in that they grow long, climbing vines and require support. These bean plants follow the same rules as their bushy cousins, though, and fade at first frost. Take cuttings of successful bean vines ahead of the first frost and take them indoors to try your hand at rooting them.

Starter soil
Sand/perlite/peat moss
3-gallon pots
Cup
Pruning shears
Rooting hormone
Plastic bags

Instructions

- 1
  Cut shoots in the morning to avoid sun or heat damage. Cut 6 to 8 inches of healthy stem for rooting. Make the cuts at least 1/2-inch below growing buds or leaflets. Take several cuttings for the best chance at success.
- 2
  Trim the bottom leaves off of the cuttings but don't cut into the stems themselves. Put the cuttings in a cup of water to keep them moist.
- 3
  Use 3-gallon pots with drainage holes for rooting. Fill the pots 3/4-full of starter soil or a mix of sand, perlite and peat moss. Cuttings require moist, fine and loose soil for root growth, but not much nutrition.
- 4
  Dip the ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Dig shallow holes in the potting soil and push the bottoms of the cuttings into the soil up to 2 inches. Pack soil firmly around the base of the cuttings.
- 5
  Put the pots in sites with six hours of indirect sun every day; bright, direct sun will burn the cuttings. Water each pot to moisten the top 2 inches of soil.
- 6
  Cover each pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and warmth. Open the bags for 15 minutes every day to allow for air circulation. Water the pots with 2 inches of water any time the soil dries out.

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