Crop type: Beans for drying
Phaseolus coccineus ‘Czar’
Common name: Runner bean ‘Czar’
Crop slug: beans-for-drying
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile. Check the source and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Czar’ is a heritage runner bean that grows as a vigorous twining climber, reaching about 3 metres in a season. Green leaves clothe the stems, while white flowers develop into long green runner-bean pods.
This cultivar can be used at two stages. Harvest the tender pods for eating fresh, or leave them on the plant until the seeds inside have matured for drying and storing through winter. Although runner beans are perennial in their native range, the RHS profile describes ‘Czar’ as a summer annual in the UK, completing its useful growth within one year.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 2.5–4 metres
- Ultimate spread
- 1–1.5 metres
- Time to ultimate size
- 1 year
Provide substantial vertical support and allow room for the twining growth to spread. The plant reaches its full size during a single UK growing season.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Chalk, clay, loam and sand
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline or neutral
‘Czar’ accepts a wide range of soil textures and pH values. A moisture-retentive but freely drained root run is the key requirement, helping the climbing plant sustain flowers and developing pods without leaving roots waterlogged.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- East-, south- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H2 — tolerant of cool temperatures down to about 1–5°C, but not of freezing conditions
Use a sunny, sheltered position and protect this tender summer crop from frost. The H2 rating is consistent with treating ‘Czar’ as an annual outdoors in the UK rather than relying on it to survive winter.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
| Season | Flowers | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | — | Green | — |
| Summer | White | Green | Green |
| Autumn | White | Green | Green |
| Winter | — | — | — |
White flowers and green pods are listed through summer and into autumn, giving the productive climber a long period of interest. An em dash shows only that the RHS profile does not provide a colour for that field and season.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Name status
- Accepted
Genus
Phaseolus comprises annual and perennial legumes, most often climbing or trailing, with characteristic leaves divided into three leaflets. The genus includes runner, French and lima beans grown for edible seeds, alongside plants used for green manure, animal feed and ornament.
Safety
The RHS profile states that raw pods and beans are harmful if eaten, including for dogs, and advises gloves and suitable protective equipment when handling the plant. Cook the crop appropriately and prevent pets from eating uncooked pods or beans.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Train ‘Czar’ up a strong support in full sun, using fertile soil that holds moisture while draining freely. Water sufficiently to prevent the root area drying out during active growth. Pick green runner-bean pods at a young stage for fresh use, or leave selected pods to mature completely when growing the cultivar as a winter drying bean.
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Give germinating and young plants warmth, and do not expose them to outdoor frost.
Suggested locations
The RHS includes ‘Czar’ in its Plants for Pollinators selection, so its flowers can also support visiting insects while the plant produces an edible crop.
- Cottage and informal gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Climbing or wall-supported planting
- Edible crop beds
Pruning
No pruning is required. Direct the twining stems onto their support as they lengthen.
Pests
The cultivar may be susceptible to slugs and snails, particularly when shoots are small, and to blackfly or black bean aphid on tender growth. Check plants regularly for feeding damage and aphid colonies.
Diseases
The profile notes possible susceptibility to runner and French bean rust. Good airflow and regular foliage inspection can help symptoms be noticed promptly.