Suttons Bean (Runner) Seeds, Scarlet Emperor, Approx. 50 Seeds
Pros
- Heritage variety with long, straight, flavoursome pods
- Reliable heavy cropper from July to October
- Suits beds, borders and allotments
Cons
- Needs sturdy canes or a support structure
Specifications
- Price tier
- Budget
- Best For
- Vegetable Growing
How it compares in Plants & Seeds
We list 36 plants & seeds products, priced from £0.99 to £24.99. At £4.99 this one is the 18th cheapest of them — 18 cost more. The average across the subcategory is £6.73 and the midpoint is £4.99, so it lands £1.74 below the average.
Its 4.6-star score sits 0.16 above the plants & seeds average of 4.44, with 0 of the 36 rated higher. Its 160 Amazon reviews make it the 25th most-reviewed here, against a subcategory average of 342.
Price position in Plants & Seeds
Splitting the subcategory into three price bands puts this product in the Mid-range band (£3.99–£8.95), which holds 11 of 32 products and averages £5.55 at 4.45 stars.
| Band | Range | Products | Average price | Average rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | £2.29–£3.99 | 11 | £3.63 | 4.50 |
| Mid-rangeThis one | £3.99–£8.95 | 11 | £5.55 | 4.45 |
| Premium | £8.99–£40.99 | 10 | £15.77 | 4.45 |
About this product
Suttons Bean (Runner) Seeds, Scarlet Emperor offer an enjoyable opportunity to grow your own vegetables. These seeds are a heritage variety, renowned for producing prolific, decorative plants boasting striking scarlet flowers and tender bean pods. The Scarlet Emperor is a good source of vitamin C, folate and iron plus fibre, making it a rewarding addition to any garden.
These seeds are particularly well-suited for beginners looking to establish their vegetable growing skills. They can be grown with or without supports, offering flexibility depending on your gardening setup. The plants thrive in full sun and benefit from regular watering, ensuring healthy growth and abundant yields.
Planting these Scarlet Emperor seeds between April and June allows you to enjoy a reliable heavy crop from July to October. The pods are delicious when eaten fresh but can also be frozen for storage, extending their usability throughout the year. These versatile plants are suitable for beds, borders, or allotments.
Please note that the expected plant height is approximately 250 centimetres. The seeds include a unit count of 50 and are supplied by Suttons Seeds, established in 1806. They require any soil type and attract pollinators to your garden space.
Related attributes
FAQ
What is the Scarlet Emperor bean variety?
The Scarlet Emperor is a heritage vegetable variety known for producing prolific, decorative plants with scarlet flowers and tender pods. It’s considered a good source of vitamins C, folate, and iron, alongside fibre.
When should I plant these seeds?
These seeds are best planted between April and June, allowing ample time for the seedlings to establish before the warmer weather arrives. They're suitable for outdoor use in a variety of soil types.
How tall will the plants grow?
Scarlet Emperor bean plants can reach approximately 250 centimetres in height with support or without, making them adaptable for various growing spaces.
What kind of support do these beans need?
While easy to grow without supports, Scarlet Emperor beans benefit from sturdy canes or a support structure to help them climb and prevent the pods from touching the ground.
What’s the best way to care for these seeds?
Regular watering is essential for healthy growth, alongside ensuring they receive full sun exposure. These seeds are suitable for beginners with no specific maintenance requirements beyond providing adequate hydration.
What's included in the 50 seed packet?
The pack contains a unit count of 50 seeds, representing one of the seed varieties offered by Suttons Seeds.
Are these suitable for growing in an allotment or a small garden?
Yes, Scarlet Emperor beans are well-suited for beds, borders, and allotments due to their prolific growth and decorative qualities.
How do these compare to other runner bean seeds at this price point?
At approximately £3.29, these Suttons Scarlet Emperor seeds offer a heritage variety with good yields, potentially outperforming cheaper options in terms of flavour and reliability.
Can I harvest the beans for eating fresh?
Yes, the tender pods produced by the Scarlet Emperor bean plants are delicious when enjoyed fresh, and can also be frozen for later use.
What is the expected blooming period for these plants?
The product description indicates no blossoms are expected during the flowering period; the focus is on pod production.