How to Grow Runner Canellini Beans

Cannellini beans are a type of common bean, or Phaseolus vulgaris, that originated in central Italy. They resemble kidney beans in size and shape but have a distinctive creamy-white color that sets them apart. Cannellini beans grow on small, shrubby bushes or on climbing vines, which are commonly referred to as "runners." Like most beans, runner cannellini beans are not difficult to grow from seed and require little care, but they require a sunny, moist bed and adequate support to prosper.

Compost
Sand
5-10-10 ratio fertilizer
Rotary tiller
Trellis
Garden hose with spray nozzle
Dibble

Instructions

- 1
  Pick a planting site suited to runner cannellini beans. Choose a spot with full sun exposure, deep soil and excellent drainage. Plan on creating a bed large enough to provide 2 square feet for each plant, with additional room for trellises or other support structures.
- 2
  Spread a 10-inch-thick layer of low-nitrogen compost over the bedding site, along with a 2-inch-thick layer of sand. Both elements are important to provide arable soil with good drainage. Sprinkle 1 cup of 5-10-10 ratio fertilizer over the bed for each bean plant.
- 3
  Pass a rotary tiller set to cultivate at a 12-inch depth over the bed to incorporate the amendments and break up the topsoil. Make multiple passes over the bed until you are satisfied with the texture of the soil and the compost and sand are fully integrated.
- 4
  Install a trellis, pole or other support structure along the northern or eastern edge of the bed. Preexisting cyclone or wire mesh fencing makes an excellent support structure for all types of runner beans, but wooden lattice and string trellises work equally well.
- 5
  Water the bed to a depth of 12 inches using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Allow the bed to drain for approximately 30 minutes before planting the runner cannellini bean seeds.
- 6
  Poke a 1-inch-deep hole every 4 inches using a dibble or your finger. Multiple rows of beans require a 24-inch clearance between each row to provide adequate light for each plant.
- 7
  Place one seed-bean in each hole, bury it and firm the soil on top. Water the beans to 7 inches deep every 7 to 10 days.
- 8
  Look for sprouts after 14 days. Wrap the sprouts gently around the base of the trellis once they reach 6 inches in height. Do not tie them to the trellis.
- 9
  Pour 1/2 cup of 5-10-10 fertilizer diluted in 1 gallon of water around the base of each plant once a month during the growing season. Fertilize the plants just before a regularly scheduled watering to help distribute the nutrients around the roots.
- 10
  Harvest the mature beans after 90 days, or when the shells are dull green and approximately 5 inches in length.

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