Scarlet Runner Bean Seeds

Scarlet Runner Bean is a pole bean that is grown just as much for its gorgeous red flowers as for its beans. Grow it up a fence or arbor and you will be amazed at the beauty it creates! A must-have in every garden. Hummingbirds and butterflies also love the blooms and will frequent the plant.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Scarlet runner beans are ornamental beans grown for their stunning display of colored blooms. You can plant these in Zones 9 and 10 in the spring and they will continue to bloom until late fall.

Zones 2-8

• Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Plant outdoors when the soil temperature is at least 60°F.

Planting Runner Bean Seeds

• We recommend direct sowing. Plant scarlet runner bean seeds 1″ deep into well-worked and thoroughly watered garden soil. Beans thrive in full sun.
• Once the seedlings have germinated and have a first set of true leaves be sure to fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer.
• Space plants to at least 7″ apart.

Growing Scarlet Runner Bean

• This crop is incredibly easy to grow and a great choice for gardens with little room. By growing vertically, gardeners grow more in smaller spaces.
• Keep weed-free by pulling any weeds that may compete with your plants.
• Let your scarlet runner bean plants climb up the structure of your choice. You can build a tepee with sticks, use a trellis, cattle panel, or any other structure that will allow them to grow up freely.

Succession Planting Scarlet Runner Bean

• For continuous blooms, succession planting is a good idea. Start a new round of seeds every 10-days.

Growing Scarlet Runner Bean in Containers

• This crop can be grown in a container. Make sure your container is at least 20″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. We recommend that you grow your plants close to a structure that the beans can grow up; a trellis or tepee can be added to the pot.

Harvesting Flowers

• Harvest flowers for beautiful bouquets. Blooming pods should be removed from the plant to encourage continued flowering.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, scarlet runner beans are an easy crop to grow.
• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. During this time, using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Since scarlet runner beans require support to grow up, you can grow small plants at the base for beautification and to help the soil remain cool. We love to plant gaillardia at the base of our climbing beans.
• Plant Sunset Runner Beans alongside your Scarlet Runner Beans for a beautiful display of red and pink blooms.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to beans at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.