Bean – Scarlet Runner

Description

Scarlet Runner Bean

25 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 55 to 70 days for Snap and Shell, 90 to 115 days for Dry Beans

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Light Shade

Botanical Name: Phaseolus coccineus

Scarlet Runner Bean is a vigorous heirloom variety long admired for both its ornamental beauty and edible value. Native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America, this bean has been grown for centuries and was introduced to North America in the early 1700s. Its twining vines are exceptionally fast-growing, ranging from 6 to 18 feet in length, and require sturdy trellises, fences, or poles for support. Large clusters of brilliant scarlet-orange flowers bloom in profusion, often drawing hummingbirds and butterflies in abundance, making this variety as striking in the flower garden as it is productive in the vegetable patch.

The pods are medium green and stringless, with young pods harvested at 6 to 8 inches for tender snap beans, while mature pods can reach up to 12 inches for shelling or drying. Scarlet Runner Beans are remarkably versatile: they can be eaten fresh as snaps, shelled when seeds are still pink and immature, or dried for long-term storage and later use in soups and stews. The seeds themselves are a distinctive marbled black and purple-red. Even the flowers and roots are edible, adding to the plant’s usefulness in the kitchen.

Scarlet Runner Beans thrive in cool, humid climates and prefer fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. They are well-suited to regions such as the Pacific Northwest, where they are often grown as perennials. Beyond their garden performance, they provide a nutritional boost, being rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, thiamine, niacin, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. With their combination of vibrant blossoms, long productive vines, and high adaptability, Scarlet Runner Beans remain one of the most beloved heirloom varieties for both beauty and bounty!

Planting Instructions for Scarlet Runner Bean Seeds

When to Plant
Scarlet Runner beans cannot tolerate frost, so plant outdoors only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 50°F. In cooler climates (Zones 3–4), seeds can be started indoors in four-inch pots about three to four weeks before the last expected frost, then transplanted once the soil has warmed and plants are hardened off. In warmer regions, direct sowing in late spring through early summer works well. For a continuous supply, stagger sowings every two to three weeks until midsummer. Runner beans particularly thrive in cool, moist summers and may benefit from some afternoon shade in very hot areas.

Where to Plant
Choose a sunny to lightly shaded, sheltered site with rich, well-drained, loamy soil. A pH of 6.0 or above is ideal. Work in compost or aged manure before planting to encourage vigorous growth and steady yields. Avoid planting near onions, which may hinder growth. Scarlet Runner beans are vigorous climbers, so plant them at the base of sturdy supports such as trellises, poles, or wigwams at least 8 feet tall.

How to Plant
Direct sow Scarlet Runner bean seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, spacing 2 to 4 inches apart, and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once established. For teepees or poles, place 2 seeds at the base of each support and thin to the strongest plant. When growing in rows, space rows 24 to 30 inches apart. If using containers, choose large, heavy pots—at least 18 inches deep and 30 inches wide, and provide sturdy canes or trellises. Runner beans germinate in 8 to 16 days. Keep seedlings consistently moist but not waterlogged.

How to Grow
Runner beans are heavy drinkers and crop best when the soil is kept evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod formation. Mulch around plants once they are 3 to 4 inches tall to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Tie young vines loosely to their supports until they begin twining on their own. Pinch out the tips once vines reach the top of their supports to encourage side shoots and keep beans within reach.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers and pods. In containers, feed with a potassium-rich liquid fertilizer every two weeks once flowering begins. Runner beans can be sensitive to extreme heat—blossoms may drop if temperatures exceed 90°F—so production often improves again in late summer as weather cools.

Harvesting
Runner beans are highly versatile and can be picked at three stages:

• Snap beans: Harvest very young pods when 4 to 6 inches long, flat, and tender, before seeds begin to swell. At this stage, their flavor is often superior to common snap beans.

• Shell beans: Harvest the plump seeds fresh from pods that have filled out but are not yet dry. Scarlet Runner beans often display vivid colors at the shelling stage, with seeds turning bright pink or lavender before drying.

• Dry beans: Allow pods to mature fully on the vine until dry and brittle, then shell and store the hardened beans. If frost threatens or the season is too wet, pull up entire plants and hang them indoors to finish drying.

Pick pods frequently—every two to three days—to keep plants flowering and producing for up to eight weeks. Tender flowers are also edible and can be used in salads or stir-fries. Their starchy roots can also be dug and eaten, or stored like dahlias in frost-free conditions, though most gardeners replant from seed each year.

Seed Saving
Scarlet Runner beans are largely self-pollinating but may cross if different varieties, especially white-seeded ones, are planted close together. For best purity, isolate varieties by 160 to 500 feet. Select pods from healthy, disease-free plants and allow them to dry fully on the vine. Shell the beans once pods are crisp and rattling. To clean large quantities, thresh and winnow outdoors on a breezy day or with a fan, separating seeds from chaff. Store dry beans in an airtight container or seed saving envelopes in a cool, dark, dry location. Properly stored seed remains viable for 2 to 3 years. For added protection, freeze seeds briefly before storage to kill any hidden insects.

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