White Half Runner Bean (Pole)

White Half Runner Bean is a charming and productive variety, producing a heavy crop of tender green pods early in the growing season. Halfway between a bush-type and a pole-type bean, White Half Runner Beans grow compact 4-foot long vines that do climb but don't necessary need staking; half runner beans can be treated like a pole bean when planting. Pods are medium-sized, slim, 4-5-inch green pods. The beans are known for their tender texture and mild, delicious taste, perfect for fresh eating, freezing, or cooking in a variety of dishes. It’s also perfect for gardeners looking to add a homegrown touch to their meals, whether in soups, stews, or salads. With its high yield and versatility, White Half Runner Bean is a must-have for any vegetable garden.

Also Known As: White Half Runner Bean, Mountaineer, Old-Dutch, Half Runner Bean, White Runner Bean, Bush Bean, Snap Bean, Pole Bean, Heirloom White Bean, Garden Bean, White Bean, Early White Bean, Small White Runner Bean.

Plant Name:	Runner Bean, White Half
Latin Name:	Phaseolus vulgaris
Days to Germinate:	6-10
Days to Harvest:	60
Plant Height:	3 - 4 Feet
Spread:	18 - 24 Inches
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	4-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Half Runner Beans grow best in temperatures between 60F-85F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 7-9 weeks before the first frost. Plant pole beans in hills about 3 feet apart in the row, placing a 6-8-foot stake in the center of each hill. Plant  3-4 seeds around the stake about 1 inch deep in the soil. If choosing to thin to the strongest plants, plant 4-5 seeds around stakes, determine the strongest and healthiest plants, then remove all other plants, narrowing to 3-4 plants per stake. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	3 feet, stake
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Half-Runner pole beans can be harvested when the pods are young, tender, and about 4-5 inches long, 60 days after planting. For the best texture and flavor, they should be picked before the beans inside become too large and tough. Regular harvesting every 2 to 3 days encourages continuous production.