How to Grow Scarlet King Bean

Scarlet King Bean

Phaseolus coccineus

vegetable

Scarlet King is a vigorous climbing pole bean variety producing abundant bright red flowers and long, slender green pods with striking red markings. This heirloom variety is prized for both ornamental appeal and excellent culinary qualities, with tender pods ideal for fresh eating and mature beans perfect for drying.

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Example Scarlet King Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Scarlet King Bean
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Scarlet King Bean
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet King Bean dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum for best flowering and pod production

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Water: Moderate, consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering once established. Drought-tolerant once flowering begins.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches apart along trellis or support inches

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Days to maturity: 60-70 days for fresh pods; 90-100 days for mature dried beans

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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost for organic matter Phosphorus for flowering Potassium for pod development Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes leaf growth over flowers

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-9; grows as annual in cooler zones, perennial in warmer climates

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout and develop first true leaves within 7-10 days. Small plants with cotyledons followed by heart-shaped compound leaves.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure warm soil temperatures (60°F+). Thin to proper spacing if direct sown. Protect from birds.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Vigorous climbing growth with abundant dark green foliage. Vines begin twining around support structure, developing robust stems and more leaflets.

Provide sturdy trellis, pole, or support structure at least 6-8 feet tall. Water consistently. Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Flowering

4-6 weeks (continuous with succession plantings)

Stunning bright scarlet-red flowers bloom in clusters along the vine. Flowers are butterfly and bee attractants, appearing in succession for extended blooming period.

Maintain consistent moisture during flowering to prevent blossom drop. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Allow flowers to set naturally. Enjoy ornamental display while supporting pollinators.

Pod Development & Fruiting

3-4 weeks for snap pods; longer for mature beans

Flowers give way to long, slender green pods with distinctive red markings and stripes. Pods grow 7-9 inches long and fill out with developing beans inside.

Continue consistent watering; pods need moisture for proper fill. Support heavy pod loads on vines. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Monitor for pests.

Maturity & Harvest

Continuous harvest or 4-6 weeks for full maturity if leaving for drying

Pods mature to full size and change color; snap pods remain green with red marks while mature pods turn brown and harden. Interior beans visible through pod wall when fully mature.

For snap beans, harvest when tender at 5-7 inches. For dried beans, allow pods to brown and dry on vine, then harvest and shell. Cure dried beans in cool, dry location for 2-3 weeks.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Corn Squash Cucumber Radish Carrot Sunflower Zinnia Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Garlic Onion Leek Peppers (may compete for nutrients) Kohlrabi

Common Pests

Hand-pick adults and yellow egg clusters. Use row covers early season. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects.
Increase humidity by misting foliage. Spray with strong water stream. Use neem oil or sulfur dust. Ensure adequate watering.
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Prune heavily infested leaves.
Improve air circulation by pruning lower foliage. Spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate. Avoid wetting foliage at night.
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Create barriers with diatomaceous earth or copper tape. Reduce mulch thickness near stems.

Uses

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Fresh Snap Bean Cooking

Culinary

Tender young pods are excellent steamed, sautéed, or stir-fried as a fresh vegetable. Flavor is mild and sweet with slight nutty undertone. Pods maintain firm texture when cooked briefly. [source]

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Dried Bean Soups & Stews

Culinary

Mature dried beans have creamy texture and earthy flavor, excellent for hearty soups, chili, cassoulet, and stews. Store dried beans for up to 1 year in cool, dry conditions. [source]

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Nutritional & Health Benefits

Medicinal

High in plant-based protein, fiber, folate, and iron. Contains beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants. Supports digestive health and stable blood sugar. [source]

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Ornamental Garden Display

Craft

Stunning bright scarlet flowers and attractive red-marked pods make this variety valued as ornamental living fence or focal point. Flowers attract pollinators and create vertical interest. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Abundant red flowers are highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, making this variety excellent for supporting pollinator populations in vegetable gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For snap beans: Harvest when pods reach 5-7 inches long and are tender but fully sized, typically 60-65 days after planting. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Harvest in early morning when pods are crisp. For dried beans: Allow pods to mature fully on vine until brown and papery, usually 90-100 days after planting. Harvest entire pods, cure in warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks, then shell and store in airtight containers.

Fun Facts

🌱 Scarlet King bean is also known as Runner Bean or Scarlet Runner Bean and has been cultivated for centuries in Central and South America. The bright red flowers were so prized ornamentally that early European gardeners grew them purely for decoration before discovering the edible pod and bean value.
🌱 The plant is technically perennial in frost-free climates and can regrow from its tuberous roots year after year, though it's typically grown as an annual. In warm zones, mature plants can live 2-3 years or longer.
🌱 The vines produce large tubers underground that can be harvested and eaten like potatoes in their native regions, providing additional harvested crops beyond the pods and beans.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Direct Sow Full Sun Heirloom Mulch Trellis True Leaves

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