Pole beans Vs. runer beans

[writeone]

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/legumes/msg0111172016161.html

[morganmac]

I had sort of lumped these together in my head, but now that you mention it, I do remember the pole beans (greasy cut-shorts) and the runner beans (half-runners) looking very different back when my grandparents were canning. And there was a definite difference in taste between the two. Thanks for the info!

[movrshakr]

Talk about confusing!

I just don't see how a pole bean cannot be a "runner.'  How can it go up the pole if it is not a runner type?  Just doesn't make any sense.

Related... http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=9119.0

[kathy]

Mov'r   The truly aren't even in the same species, totally different. You are talking growth habit, runner beans more define the type of bean. 

[grandmamac]

I grew dwarf runner beans 'Hestia' which were bushy for a couple of years as well as dwarf French beans. I must admit I thought (in translation from the UK terminology to that of the USA) pole beans were just runner beans as the full size ones usually climb and that bush beans were just French beans as they are known here.

I was growing dwarf varieties as I have a small garden and made the mistake of growing full size sugarsnap peas my first year. This was before I found the forum and read Donald's recommendations on sugarsnap varieties. I've been searching for the perfect pea variety ever since; every year a different seed. The leftover seeds I use for peas shoots or microgreens in salads. The microgreens feel a bit wasteful but the flavour is so intense that it really bucks up the salad leaves.

I can see that runner beans would be a different species. The old fashioned one have that knobbly skin and a kind of french seam (sewing term) appearance round the strings.

[bobk]

Have you tried Cascadia?

[grandmamac]

 Not yet but I've just found the seed is for sale in the UK. Is it one you'd recommend? Thanks for the suggestion.

[bobk]

I have not grown it but seems to fit what you are looking for, could be worth a try.