Running or Pole Beans (Haricot à rames, Fr.; Stangen bohue, Ger.) are sorts in great esteem; especially the Lima, of which there are two varieties, the White and Green. Both are excellent in flavor. The latter has the advantage of size, and the former of producing a more certain and uniform crop. It is the variety most extensively cultivated for the Philadelphia market, covering an extent of over two hundred acres in the immediate vicinity of the city.
Culture.—They are planted in the last week of April, or first week of May, in hills very similar to Indian Corn, and about the same distance apart. In fact, those who can plant Corn, can plant Lima Beans; though strangers to this luscious vegetable often make very curious mistakes in its culture, some drawing drills and sowing them therein, others digging pits and burying the delicate seed (which is impatient of cold or moisture) six or eight inches deep; the results from both of which operations must be nearly a total failure. Some sprout these beans in a hot-bed, and transplant them into the hills in which they are to grow; but very little, if any time, is gained by the trouble. A hill of good, rich earth, raised a few inches above the level, and five or six beans put two inches deep therein, will be found the safest and surest. If three grow, it is enough; if net, plant over again. They will grow twenty feet; but rods of twelve feet, placed two feet in the ground at the time the hill is made, will support them. Cold damp weather frequently destroys the first and even the second planting.
Carolina or Sewee Bean, has all the habits of the Lima, though not so large. It is more hardy, and produces as profusely, but has not so much of the rich, buttery flavor.
Dutch-Case Knife is an excellent pole Bean, producing a good crop, of fine flavor, and much earlier for the table than either the Lima or Carolina. It can be used either in or with out the pod; it is also well adapted for Winter use.
