How tall do runner bean canes need to be?

Use 2.4m (8ft) canes pushed 30cm into the ground, giving 2.1m of growing height. This is tall enough for most varieties.

When do I plant runner beans?

Sow indoors in late April, or plant out / direct sow after the last frost (usually late May in most of the UK).

How many runner bean plants do I need?

Each plant yields roughly 0.5 kg of beans over the season. A family of four typically needs 20-30 plants for regular harvests.

What is a bean wigwam?

A wigwam is a circle of 6-8 canes tied together at the top, forming a teepee shape. They are decorative and space-efficient.

How high do runner bean supports need to be?

Runner beans grow 2-3 metres tall. Cane supports should be at least 2.4m long (2m above ground + 0.4m in soil). Use crossbars or string for extra support.

GardenCalcs

Runner Bean Calculator — Canes, Spacing & Yields

Work out cane quantities, spacing, and expected yields for runner beans.

Row / Run Length

Support Type

Price per cane (optional)

How We Calculate This

Wigwam: each wigwam uses 8 canes in a 90cm diameter circle with one plant per cane. String secures the top and provides horizontal support.

Double row: plants are spaced 15cm apart in two parallel rows 45cm apart, with canes crossing in an A-frame pattern.

Yield estimate is approximately 0.5 kg per plant over a typical UK growing season with regular picking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.