Dwarf Bean 'Hestia'

'Hestia' is a decorative and highly productive dwarf runner bean, though botanically classified within the French bean group for its growth habit. It is perfect for UK gardeners with limited space or those wishing to grow vegetables in containers. Unlike traditional runner beans, 'Hestia' does not require tall supports, reaching a compact height of only 45cm. It is prized for its attractive bi-colour red and white flowers, which are followed by long, straight, stringless pods with a crisp texture and excellent flavour. Sown from May to July, it thrives in the British summer, provided it receives regular watering. The compact habit makes it less susceptible to wind damage than climbing varieties. It is an ideal 'dual-purpose' plant for a small patio, offering both aesthetic beauty and a heavy crop of succulent beans. For the best results, pick the pods regularly when they are about 15cm long to encourage the plant to continue flowering and producing beans until the first frosts.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.