Unwins Runner Bean Enorma

Enorma is aptly named — a self-pollinating runner bean producing enormously long, smooth, slender pods of genuinely fine quality, good enough for the show bench as well as the kitchen. Being self-pollinating, it sets a heavy crop reliably even in seasons where pollinating insects are scarce. Sow April to May for an August-September harvest, and stagger a later sowing if you want tender young beans right up until the first frosts. Give the twining stems a double row of angled canes or a wigwam frame to climb — at 1.8m they need solid support in place before you plant. Keep the soil generously watered through dry spells and mist the flowers at midday to help pods set; pick regularly and young for the best flavour, and freeze any surplus to enjoy through the winter.