How to Grow Crimson Flowered Bean
Wikimedia Commons
Crimson Flowered Bean
Phaseolus coccineus
vineCrimson Flowered Bean is a vibrant ornamental and edible climbing bean variety featuring brilliant scarlet-red flowers and long pod production. This perennial vine in tropical climates (annual in temperate zones) produces both stunning blooms and nutritious beans for harvest.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Crimson Flowered Bean in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Crimson Flowered Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Crimson Flowered Bean
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Crimson Flowered Bean
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Crimson Flowered Bean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; grown as annual in zones 3-4
Sign up free to see if Crimson Flowered Bean grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Crimson Flowered Bean timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysSeed germinates with two cotyledons emerging from soil; first true leaves appear within 7-10 days.
Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and moist. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings if started indoors; harden off before transplanting outdoors after last frost.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVine grows rapidly with large compound leaves. Climbing habit becomes apparent as tendrils develop.
Install sturdy support structure (trellis, pole, or fence) early. Water regularly and fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Remove weeds.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (ongoing with successive plantings)Spectacular whorls of bright crimson-scarlet flowers appear along the vine. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators.
Maintain consistent watering as flowers stress the plant. Ensure adequate pollinator access. Light fertilizing supports continued bloom. Do not over-fertilize (excess nitrogen reduces flowers).
Pod Development & Maturity
15-25 daysLong, slender green pods form where flowers were and rapidly elongate to 6-8 inches. Pods mature and can turn reddish-purple when fully mature.
Continue consistent watering to prevent pod drop. Support heavy pod clusters. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Watch for pest damage to developing pods.
Harvest & Decline
Continuous with regular harvestingPods reach eating stage (tender, green) or mature stage (dry beans). With regular harvesting, vine continues flowering; without harvest, growth slows.
Pick pods when 6-8 inches long for fresh eating, or allow to mature on vine for dry beans. In frost-free zones, perennial vines may regrow from roots.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick beetles and eggs; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects.
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
-
Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or miticide if severe; reflective mulch can deter.
-
Ensure good air circulation; water at soil level (avoid wetting foliage); remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe.
-
Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters; use row covers; apply spinosad or pyrethrin; encourage native predators.
Uses
Fresh Pod Vegetables
CulinaryYoung tender pods are eaten whole like green beans, steamed, sautéed, or added to stir-fries. Mature shelled beans can be dried for storage and used in soups, stews, and bean salads. [source]
Dried Bean Staple
CulinaryMature dried beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious staple for winter cooking. Traditional in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines. [source]
Garden Ornament & Attractant
OrnamentalThe brilliant crimson flowers are highly decorative and attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, making this plant a dual-purpose beauty and wildlife support. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeFlowers provide nectar and pollen for hummingbirds, bees, and beneficial insects throughout the growing season, supporting garden ecosystem health. [source]
Natural Screen & Support Structure
HouseholdThe vigorous vining habit makes this plant ideal for creating living screens, shade structures, and vertical gardens while producing food. [source]
Harvest Tips
For fresh eating, pick pods when 6-8 inches long and still tender and green, typically 10-12 days after flowering. Snap pods off gently or cut with shears. Harvest regularly (every 2-3 days) to encourage more flowering and pod production. For dry beans, leave pods on the vine until papery and brown; shell when completely dry. Fresh beans can be eaten whole, or shelled for immature or mature beans. Best flavor is when pods are young and tender.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Crimson Flowered Beans are perennial in frost-free climates and can live for many years, producing year-round in tropical regions—some plants have thrived for decades in Mediterranean gardens.
- 🌱 The brilliant scarlet flowers are specifically attractive to hummingbirds, which are their primary pollinators in native Central American habitats, earning them the alternate name 'Scarlet Runner Bean.'
- 🌱 Unlike most bean varieties, Crimson Flowered Beans can be harvested at multiple stages: as tender green pods, as immature shelled beans, or as fully mature dry beans for long-term storage, making them incredibly versatile.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Crimson Flowered Bean planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Crimson Flowered Bean seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Crimson Flowered Bean timeline →