How to Grow Princess Scarlet Bean
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Princess Scarlet Bean
Phaseolus coccineus
vegetablePrincess Scarlet is an ornamental runner bean variety prized for its vibrant scarlet-red flowers and productive climbing vines. This heirloom cultivar produces tender, flavorful green beans while adding striking visual appeal to gardens and trellises. The edible pods and decorative blooms make it a dual-purpose plant perfect for vegetable gardens and landscape borders.
When should you plant Princess Scarlet Bean in your zone?
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Example Princess Scarlet Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Princess Scarlet Bean
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Princess Scarlet Bean
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Princess Scarlet Bean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; can be grown as annual in cooler zones or perennial in zones 9-10
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Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout within 7-10 days; two cotyledons emerge followed by true leaves. Seedlings develop rapidly with compound trifoliate leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide full sun. Thin to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Transplant only if necessary to avoid root disturbance.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants establish strong root systems and vigorous vining growth. Multiple stems climb and twine around support structures. Foliage is abundant with dark green compound leaves.
Install trellises or stakes early before vines become unmanageable. Keep soil evenly moist. Apply balanced fertilizer or compost once plants are 6 inches tall. Monitor for nitrogen deficiency.
Flowering
3-5 weeksStriking scarlet-red flowers appear in clusters along the vines. Flowers are typically zygomorphic (papilionaceous) and highly attractive to pollinators. Blooming can be prolific over several weeks.
Maintain consistent watering during flowering. Do not over-fertilize nitrogen as this promotes foliage over flowers. Ensure bees and hummingbirds have access for pollination. Avoid pesticide use.
Pod Development & Snap Bean Harvest
4-6 weeksAfter pollination, pods develop rapidly. Tender immature green pods appear 8-10 days after flowering. Pods are slender, 6-8 inches long, and snap cleanly when bent.
Harvest snap beans regularly (every 2-3 days) to encourage continued flowering and production. Pick when pods are firm and tender, before seeds bulge visibly inside. Consistent harvesting extends the season.
Dry Bean & Maturation
2-3 weeks additionalIf pods are left to mature fully, seeds inside swell and develop. Pods turn from green to mottled brown or purplish as they dry. Seeds develop distinctive coloring and harden.
Allow pods to dry on the vine in warm weather. Harvest when pods are fully brown and brittle. Shell seeds and store in cool, dry conditions for use as dried beans or next year's seed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and eggs; use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray forceful water to dislodge; use miticide or sulfur dust in severe cases; encourage predatory mites
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Plant resistant varieties if available; control aphids that transmit virus; remove and destroy infected plants; use certified seed
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate at first sign of infection
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use copper tape around containers; beer traps; encourage predatory beetles and birds
Uses
Fresh snap bean cuisine
CulinaryPrincess Scarlet beans are tender, flavorful, and versatile as fresh green beans. They can be steamed, sautéed, blanched, roasted, or added to salads and stir-fries. [source]
Dried bean cooking
CulinaryMature dried seeds are mealy and slightly sweet, ideal for soups, stews, cassoulets, and other traditional bean dishes across European cuisines. [source]
Garden ornament and landscape accent
OrnamentalThe striking scarlet flowers and vigorous vines add dramatic color and vertical interest to trellises, arbors, fences, and garden structures while producing food. [source]
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeThe bright red flowers attract hummingbirds, bumblebees, and other pollinators. Growing Princess Scarlet supports local pollinator populations and provides nectar. [source]
Seed saving and heirloom preservation
CraftPrincess Scarlet is an heirloom variety that can be saved from mature dried pods for replanting next season, supporting seed sovereignty and genetic diversity. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest snap beans in the morning after dew dries but before heat of day, when pods are firm and tender (typically 8-12 days after flowering). Beans snap cleanly when bent if at peak tenderness. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. For dried beans, allow pods to mature fully on the vine, turn brown, and dry completely before harvesting and shelling.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Princess Scarlet is sometimes called 'Scarlet Runner Bean' and is the parent variety from which many modern runner bean cultivars were developed.
- 🌱 The bright scarlet flowers contain high levels of anthocyanins and other compounds that make them attractive to hummingbirds, which co-evolved with red flowers in their native Central American habitat.
- 🌱 Runner beans can grow 8-12 feet tall or taller on proper support, making them one of the most productive vegetables per square foot of garden space.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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