Scarlet runner bean is a vining plant that puts on a spectacular show in a sunny spot.
Most bean plants are relegated to rows or patches in the vegetable garden.
However, the scarlet runner bean is an exception.
Credit: Jay Graham
They are vigorous climbers that need something sturdy to support their upward growth.
A fence works well, but it’s possible for you to alsogrow them on a teepee or trellis.
Dont plant them where they will cast shade on other sun-loving plants.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Dont plant them outdoors too early because they are sensitive to cold temperatures.
Its best to wait until night temperatures stay above 50F before planting seeds or transplanting seedlings.
Sow the seed 2 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Disturb the roots as little as possible when transplanting.
Supply the beans with a support for them to climb at planting time.
Strings, netting, a fence, or poles are all good options.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Light
The sunnier the spot, the better scarlet runner beans grow.
Site them where they will get at least six hours offull suneach day.
Soil and Water
Scarlet runner beans thrive in aneutral to slightly acidic, organically rich soil.
Credit: David Speer
While they need consistent moisture, the soil should be well-drained and not remain soggy.Mulching helps retain moisturebetween waterings.
The plants will die back to the ground with the first hard frost in the fall.
They tolerate a range of humidity levels, but moderate humidity is best.
Over-fertilizing can stimulate leafy growth at the expense of flowering and pod formation.
If the beans seem to need a mid-season boost, side-dress them with a slow-release organic fertilizer.
Potting and Repotting
Growing scarlet runner beans in a containeris easy and anexcellent option for small gardens.
Sow the seeds 2 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart and water well.
Add stakes or a trellis to support the vines as they grow.
Position the container in an area of the garden that receives at least 6 hours of sun daily.
Ensure some pollinator-attracting flowers are planted nearby to pollinate the bean flowers.
Pests and Problems
Although easy to grow, scarlet runner beans are susceptible to a few pests.
Slugs and rabbits might nibble on young plants.
A wire cageprotects emerging seedlings from rabbits, andslug trapshelp control slugs.
Mexican bean beetles, Japanese beetles, aphids, and leafhoppers are sometimes a problem.
Hand-picking or a hard spray of water will reduce populations of these pests.
Remove infected leaves if you notice them, and dont put them in the compost pile.
The vines grow to 10 feet tall if support is available.
The vine grows 8 to 10 feet tall with a support.
The plant is extremelyattractive to hummingbird mothsand hummingbirds.
It matures in 65 to 80 days.
Sunset
The flowers of Sunset variety are peachy pink, and the pods are bright green.
This variety matures in 65 to 70 days but continues to bloom until the weather turns cold in fall.
It can be a feature of the vegetable garden or included in a mixed annual border.
Because flowers do not self-pollinate,pollinator-attracting plantsare excellent companion plants if you plan to harvest pods.
It attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Zinnias
Zinniascome in many colors and sizes, providing options for placement.
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susanbears large yellow flowers with dark centers in mid to late summer.
It grows 2-3 feet tall, and attracts pollinators.
Next year, plant pollinator-attracting flowers nearby.
Over-fertilizingespecially with nitrogenresults in lots of leafy growth but few flowers and pods.
Another cause could be insufficient light.
Your vines need at least 6 hours of sun daily; less than that limits flowering.
