Aztec bean
Also known as: butterfly runner; Dutch case-knife bean; fire bean; multiflora bean; runner bean; scarlet runner bean; scarlet runner
This is the species from which all our runner beans have been bred. It is a green-leaved twining climber reaching 3m with scarlet flowers (occasionally white) which develop into long, flat edible pods. In the UK it is grown as a summer annual, lasting only one year
Scientific classification
- Species
- Aztec bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
- Genus
- Phaseolus
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Raw pods/beans harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Toxicity
- Climber Wall Shrub · Fruit Edible
- Plant type
- 2.5-4 metres
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Climbing
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Aztec bean pictures
Distribution of Aztec bean
Distribution map
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Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Raw pods/beans harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Quick identification of Aztec bean
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Aztec bean care guide
- Keep soil consistently moist for steady leafy growth without drought stress
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist for steady leafy growth without drought stress
Fertilizing
FertilizingNitrogen-rich vegetable feed every two to three weeks in active growth
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Growing
GrowingGrow up support in moisture-retentive soil which is close to a neutral pH, in full sun. For more advice see runner-bean cultivation
People also ask
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust and halo blight
Pests
May be susceptible to black bean aphids. Young plants also need protection from slugs and snails
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