Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Growing Scarlet Runner Beans in the Vegetable Garden

Get a soil test before the planting season starts. This information can act as an accurate baseline to know what amendments need to be added and which should be avoided. Amend the soil with high-quality compost before planting. For optimal growth, plant seeds 1 inch deep directly into the garden soil after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 F. Space the seeds 4 to 6 inches apart within rows, and maintain 24 to 36 inches between rows to ensure adequate air circulation and ease of access. Installing support structures at the time of planting is essential or else the plant’s vines will sprawl on the ground and will produce fewer, lower quality pods.

Consistent watering is crucial, especially during flowering and pod development. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root diseases. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Since beans fix nitrogen in the soil, they generally do not require heavy fertilization.

Scarlet Runner Beans grow well with corn, which can also provide natural support for the climbing vines. Other companions include cucumbers, squash, and radishes. Avoid planting near alliums (onions, garlic), as they can inhibit growth.

Harvesting Scarlet Runner Beans

For fresh eating, harvest the pods when they’re young and tender, usually 50–75 days after planting. Pods have a rich, delicious flavor, and should be picked when fairly short, between four and six inches, and used as snap beans. Once the pods become too tough for snap bean use, the immature seed can be shelled out, or allowed to mature and dry. The pods typically take 90-100 days to reach this stage. Dried runner bean seed can be cooked like dried common bean seed.

About Scarlet Runner Bean Garden Seeds

The stunning scarlet-red flowers not only make your garden more beautiful but also attract pollinators like hummingbirds.

Rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, Scarlet Runner Beans are a nutritious addition to any meal. They’re also a good source of antioxidants.

Gardeners often choose pole beans over bush beans for one of two reasons: they want to save space by allowing them to climb vertically, or they want to harvest the beans more easily without bending or kneeling. The only downside is you need to provide a trellis or some type of structure for them to grow up.

These beans can be eaten in multiple ways—fresh, shelled, or dried. Young pods are tender and can be used like green beans, while the mature seeds are great in soups or stews.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Scarlet Runner Beans are a great choice for gardeners looking for a productive and attractive plant. They offer a long harvest window, from fresh beans in the summer to dried beans in the fall.”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer