How to Grow Scarlet Runner Bean
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Scarlet Runner Bean
Phaseolus coccineus
vineScarlet Runner Bean is a vigorous climbing vine prized for its stunning bright red flowers and edible green pods. It grows rapidly and can reach 6-10 feet tall, making it excellent for trellises, arbors, and vertical gardening. The beans are also valued as ornamentals in addition to their culinary use.
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Example Scarlet Runner Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Runner 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 Scarlet Runner Bean
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Runner Bean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cooler climates and performs best in zones 5-8
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days; cotyledons emerge followed by first true leaves
Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist; provide strong light or grow lights; thin seedlings if crowded
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVigorous vining growth with compound leaves; plant climbs and twines around support structure
Install sturdy trellis or support immediately; apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks; pinch tips if needed to encourage branching; water regularly
Flowering
3-4 weeks (blooms continue over extended period)Abundant clusters of brilliant scarlet red flowers appear along the vines; extremely ornamental
Continue regular watering; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage at expense of flowers; ensure good air circulation; flowers attract hummingbirds and bees
Pod Development & Fruiting
4-6 weeksFlowers give way to long, slender green pods (6-9 inches); pods mature and can be harvested at various stages
Pick pods regularly to encourage continuous production; water consistently; provide light feeding every 2-3 weeks; watch for pests and diseases
Maturation & Harvest
Variable; continues until frostPods fully mature; beans inside are plump and visible through pod skin; pods may turn reddish or brown if left unharvested
Harvest tender pods for cooking, or allow pods to fully mature and dry on plant for dried beans; cool-season plants may slow production in extreme heat
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and larvae; use row covers early season; spray neem oil or spinosad; encourage parasitic wasps
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Use row covers; hand-pick beetles; apply pyrethrin spray; plant later to avoid peak emergence
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; plant companion flowers to attract natural predators
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected leaves
Uses
Fresh Green Pods
CulinaryYoung tender pods are cooked and eaten like string beans, with a slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture. They can be steamed, sautéed, roasted, or added to soups and curries. [source]
Dried Beans
CulinaryMature dried beans are used in soups, stews, and rice dishes. They have a rich, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked. [source]
Garden Ornament
OrnamentalThe vibrant scarlet flowers bloom prolifically over weeks and are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The vigorous vines quickly cover trellises and structures. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation
HouseholdAs a legume, Scarlet Runner Beans fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, naturally enriching it for subsequent crops. This makes them excellent for crop rotation and sustainable gardening. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, bean preparations have been used to support blood sugar regulation and digestive health, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest green pods when they are 5-6 inches long, tender, and snap easily (eat like string beans). For dried beans, allow pods to fully mature on the vine until brown and brittle, then pick and shell. Peak harvest is typically 2-3 weeks after flowering begins. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Young pods taste best; older pods become starchy.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet Runner Beans are native to Mexico and Central America, where they have been cultivated for over 2,000 years in Mesoamerican cultures.
- 🌱 The plant is extremely productive—a single vine can produce 100+ pods over the growing season, making it one of the most prolific bean varieties.
- 🌱 Hummingbirds are the primary natural pollinator of Scarlet Runner Beans in their native habitat, and they readily visit the flowers in gardens, making this plant excellent for hummingbird-friendly landscapes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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