The ‘Scarlet Runner’ was first introduced to England as far back as 1633 where it was grown in gardens as an ornamental flower, rather than a tasty bean. By 1890’s Victorian seed merchants Carter’s of London selected a particularly nice form & this is the Scarlet Emperor we know today. Bee friendly scarlet scented blooms followed by tender medium size green pods in abundance.   
 
CULTURE – Sow in April/May in a heated greenhouse & plant out once all risk of frost has passed. Preferers a warm, sheltered, sunny location with plenty of well-rotted mature incorporated into the soil. 0ne plant per cane at 15cm (6”) intervals. Overall height: 2m+ (6.5ft).  Plants need to be kept moist for good bean set. In Autumn, bring back inside before first frost as Runner Beans are actually perennial & can last up to 6 years under the right conditions.