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Scarlet Runner Bean

Phaseolus coccineus

Scarlet flowers against green, heart-shaped foliage. Rapid climbers. Beans are edible and delicious when young. Keep pods picked for continuous bloom. May simply be called scarlet runner. A hummingbird favorite. Edible Flowers: The flowers offer a mild and sweet flavor. Use them to garnish or in salads, soups, and desserts.

Harvest

45-55d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

3–10

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Easy

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Scarlet Runner Bean in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Scarlet Runner Bean · Zones 3–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture especially during flowering

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorFresh pods: tender and sweet. Mature beans: rich, nutty, and creamy

ColorGreen pods with bright red flowers, speckled purple-black seeds

Size6-10 inch pods, large lima-sized beans

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	August – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	August – September
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	August – September
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	July – September
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	July – August
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	June – August
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	May – July
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	May – June

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Growth rate: Rapid.

Harvesting

Garden value: Edible

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Edible green pods that turn purple

Storage & Preservation

Fresh pods keep best in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 5-7 days in a perforated plastic bag. Don't wash until ready to use, as moisture encourages decay.

For longer storage, blanch young pods in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 8 months. Mature green pods can be pickled like dilly beans.

Dried beans should be thoroughly cured until they contain less than 15% moisture—properly dried beans will shatter when hit with a hammer. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years. Freeze dried beans for 48 hours before storage to eliminate any bean weevils.

History & Origin

Native to the mountainous regions of Central America, particularly Mexico and Guatemala, scarlet runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Unlike common beans, they're actually perennial in frost-free climates, growing from thick, fleshy roots that can be harvested and eaten like sweet potatoes.

Spanish conquistadors brought scarlet runners to Europe in the 16th century, where they quickly became popular in England's cottage gardens—both for their ornamental red flowers and substantial food value. The variety thrived in Britain's cool, moist summers better than heat-loving common beans.

In traditional Mexican cuisine, both the roots and beans were dietary staples. The Aztecs called them 'ayocotes' and considered them sacred. European settlers initially grew them primarily as ornamental flowering vines before discovering their culinary value. Today, they remain especially popular in British gardens and are experiencing renewed interest among American gardeners seeking dual-purpose ornamental edibles.

Advantages

+Attracts: Hummingbirds
+Edible: Edible green pods that turn purple
+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Seeds): Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Corn

Provides natural support structure for climbing beans while beans fix nitrogen for corn

Squash

Part of Three Sisters planting, large leaves shade soil and suppress weeds

Marigolds

Repel Mexican bean beetles and other harmful insects

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, keep pests away from beans

Carrots

Beans improve soil nitrogen while carrots break up soil, benefiting bean root development

Radishes

Help break up compacted soil and may deter bean root fly

Lettuce

Benefits from nitrogen fixed by beans, provides living mulch

Summer Savory

Repels bean beetles and may improve bean flavor and growth

Keep Apart

Onions

Can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root compounds

Sunflowers

Allelopathic compounds can stunt bean growth and compete for nutrients

Fennel

Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of beans and most garden plants

Nutrition Facts

Protein

1.97g(4%)

Fiber

3.01g(11%)

Carbs

7.41g(3%)

Fat

0.275g(0%)

Vitamin K

43.9mcg(37%)

Iron

0.652mg(4%)

Calcium

40mg(3%)

Potassium

290mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346400)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease resistant, some tolerance to cool, wet conditions

Common Pests

Mexican bean beetle, aphids, spider mites

Diseases

Bacterial blight, anthracnose, root rot in poorly drained soils

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do scarlet runner beans take to grow?▼

Scarlet runner beans take 65-70 days to produce fresh pods for eating like green beans, and 90-120 days for fully mature dry beans. They begin flowering about 50 days from planting and continue producing until frost, making them excellent for extended harvests throughout the growing season.

Can you grow scarlet runner beans in containers?▼

Yes, but use large containers at least 20 gallons with sturdy 8-foot support structures. The vigorous vines need substantial root space and strong trellising. Choose dwarf varieties like 'Pickwick Dwarf' for smaller pots, though standard varieties produce heavier yields if you have space for proper support.

Are scarlet runner beans good for beginners?▼

Absolutely—they're more forgiving than most beans, tolerating cool weather and partial shade while being naturally pest and disease resistant. The main requirement is providing adequate support structures before planting, but once established, they're quite low-maintenance and produce reliable harvests.

What do scarlet runner beans taste like?▼

Young pods taste similar to green beans but with a slightly nuttier, more robust flavor. Mature dried beans have a rich, creamy texture similar to lima beans with a distinctive earthy, almost chestnut-like taste. The edible flowers add a mild, sweet bean flavor to salads.

When should I plant scarlet runner beans?▼

Plant after soil warms to 60°F and all frost danger passes—typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In northern climates, you can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks earlier for a longer growing season, but handle transplants gently as beans dislike root disturbance.

Do scarlet runner beans need full sun?▼

While they prefer full sun, scarlet runners tolerate partial shade better than most bean varieties—they'll produce well with just 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. This shade tolerance, combined with their cool-weather preference, makes them excellent for northern gardens or spots with morning sun and afternoon shade.