What Are Half Runner Beans?

Description

• Pole beans grow long and need trellising to produce properly. Bush beans plants are shorter and wider. Half runners grow in a fashion that is between these two types. The bean runners of this plant can grow to around 3 feet long, but they tend to grow wider, more like a bush. If you use a trellis to grow these beans, you can get higher bean yields. The beans produced from this plant are often used as snap green beans.

Planting

• You want to plant half runners after the frost season. These beans prefer to be planted in direct sunlight in well drained soil. Standing water areas are not ideal for these beans. Warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit should be sufficient for good growth.

Disease

• Certain diseases tend to affect half runner beans. Seed rot occurs when beans are planted in cold, wet soil. Bacterial blight can also show up. You can avoid this bacterial growth if you buy seeds from trusted western growers that are known to be disease-free. Mosaic and anthracnose are also disease problems that may occur with these beans.

Pests

• You may catch a few unwanted critters on your bean plants. Corn earworms, mites and Mexican bean beetles can prove to be a problem. Black flies can be a nuisance to these beans, as well.