Runner beans as a perennial

[davee52uk]

I have read that runner beans are perennials. It stated that the roots can be stored over Winter and replanted the following year. it even said that the crops will be bigger the second year.

Has anybody tried this?

Any tips ?

[davee52uk]

[Jeannine]

Davee, it is done over here but more in the Southern states, where I am is a bit like where you are a tad too cold and wet over the winter to leave them in the ground..lifting them maybe, they get bigger after a couple of seasons, and they are edible by the way rather like JAs. I seem to remember they are treated a bit like the UK treats their dahlias.

Are you gonna have a go?

I have  net friend who does it but way down south.

XX Jeannine

[goodlife]

I've got few runners now that I've grown in buckets this season and my plan was to keep them in storage for next year...so we will see what happens..
Last time I tried to keep them..they didn't keep and died down over winter even they were in GH, probably the temperature dropped just tad too low.

[Jeannine]

Goodlife,. I think you chop[ off the greenery and lift the tubers, they will; be very small if first year... and that is as much as my know;edge goes.

I could check with my friend if you like

XX Jeannine

[goodlife]

Yes, I was planning to take them out of the buckets once the leaves have started to die down a bit and bed them in into 'fresh' but dry bedding for winter.

[Jeannine]

me jumping the gun XX Jeannine

[goodlife]

me jumping the gun XX Jeannine

Nah..it is good to make sure no errors are being made..

[Digeroo]

Some winters they have just sprouted in the spring.  Cannot remember any more than the previous year about it.    I found it was more of a case of a few early beans until the seed grown ones got going.   

I might earth up a couple with plastic bottles and straw etc.

[Jayb]

I've had runner beans overwinter ok here most winters in a poly tunnel, just left in the ground, lose a few though. They are quicker to make good growth in the Spring in comparison to seed sown plants. They send up several vines from the tuber so early growth is stronger. I believe there is more of a risk of carrying forward disease with plants, I've only kept them through an extra growing season and not had any problems so far, although they haven't had any problems the year before. I didn't save any this year, I usually grow Red Rum inside, find it does very well for an early crop, but wanted to try Firestorm instead. I think I'll go back to Red Rum next season and perhaps a few Firestorm if they survive to compare alongside them.