Scarlet Runner beans are a beloved heirloom variety known for their vibrant red flowers and large, tender pods. These beans can be harvested young as snap beans or allowed to mature into large, flavorful dry beans. With vines that can grow 6-18 feet, Scarlet Runner beans are perfect for trellises and attract pollinators, making them a beautiful and functional addition to any garden.
Key Features
- Ornamental Flowers: Bright red blooms attract pollinators.
- Versatile Harvest: Use fresh or as dried beans.
- Vigorous Vines: Excellent for trellising.
Runner Bean Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow runner bean seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 50°F.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot, although runner beans can tolerate light shade. They thrive in well-draining, fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8â€"10 inches, incorporating compost to enhance fertility and drainage.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep, spacing them about 6 inches apart.
- Provide a trellis, pole, or other support structure, as runner beans have a climbing habit and can reach 8-10 feet.
- Thinning: Not necessary, as runner beans are spaced for mature plants.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod formation, as runner beans are sensitive to dry conditions.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start seeds indoors about 2-3 weeks before the last frost if needed.
- Containers: Use deep pots to allow for root growth, as runner beans can struggle with transplanting.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep, with 1 seed per pot.
- Cover with soil mix and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 70-75°F for 7-10 days until seedlings emerge.
- Transplanting: Transplant outdoors after the last frost date and when soil temperatures reach at least 50F. Place each plant 6 inches apart with ample climbing support.
General Care Tips for Runner Beans
- Sunlight: Provide full sun to light shade.
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially when beans are flowering, as dry conditions can reduce yield.
- Fertilizing: Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer at planting, but avoid high nitrogen, which can reduce flowering.
- Pollination: Runner beans are cross-pollinated by insects, unlike most beans. Plant flowers are attractive to pollinators, and good pollination will increase yield.
