Scarlet runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to combine beauty and bounty. With their vivid red flowers, lush foliage, and delicious beans, these vigorous climbers add a splash of color and a productive harvest to any garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing scarlet runner beans successfully.
Origin: We brought the parent seeds of our Kids Seed Co. runner beans back to our garden from a trip to Mexico where we bought the seeds from a farmer at a market in Oaxaca.
Why Choose Scarlet Runner Beans?
Scarlet runner beans are a triple threat: they’re ornamental, edible, and easy to grow. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your garden:
• Stunning Aesthetics: Their bright scarlet flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, making them a favorite for ornamental gardens.
• Edible Harvest: The young pods are tender and flavorful, while the mature beans can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried for storage.
• Vertical Growth: As climbers, they’re perfect for small spaces, growing up trellises, fences, or arbors, maximizing your garden’s vertical potential.
• Soil Enrichment: As legumes, they fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for future crops.
Getting Started: Planting Scarlet Runner Beans
1. Timing and Location
Scarlet runner beans are warm-season crops that thrive in full sun. Plant them after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C), typically in late spring or early summer. In most regions, this is around May or June.
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. These beans prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
2. Preparing the Soil
Work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to provide nutrients. Scarlet runner beans are relatively low-maintenance, but they benefit from a nutrient-rich start. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers and pods.
3. Sowing Seeds
Soak the seeds in water for 12–24 hours before planting to speed up germination. Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart in rows, or in clusters around the base of a support structure. If you’re growing multiple rows, space them 18–24 inches apart.
4. Providing Support
Scarlet runner beans are vigorous climbers, often reaching 6–10 feet tall. Install a sturdy trellis, teepee, or fence at planting time to support their growth. Bamboo poles, netting, or even a decorative arbor work well. Ensure the structure is secure, as mature plants can become heavy with foliage and pods.
Caring for Scarlet Runner Beans
1. Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
2. Feeding
Scarlet runner beans don’t require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10 Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be applied at planting time or when the plants are established to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can reduce pod production.
3. Pest and Disease Management
Scarlet runner beans are relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, or Mexican bean beetles. Check plants regularly and remove pests by hand or use insecticidal soap for severe infestations. To prevent fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately and avoiding overhead watering.
Harvesting Scarlet Runner Beans
• Young Pods: Harvest pods when they’re 3–5 inches long, before they become tough and stringy. Regular picking encourages more pod production.
• Mature Beans: For shelling or drying, let the pods fully mature and dry on the vine until they turn brown and rattle. Harvest before they split open to avoid losing beans.
• Flowers: The vibrant red flowers are edible and make a colorful addition to salads or garnishes.
Harvest frequently to keep the plants productive. Pods are best used fresh but can be blanched and frozen for longer storage.
Tips for Success
• Pollination: Scarlet runner beans are self-pollinating but benefit from pollinator activity. Planting flowers like marigolds or lavender nearby can attract bees and hummingbirds.
• Companion Planting: Grow scarlet runner beans with corn or sunflowers, which provide natural support, or with marigolds to deter pests.
• Saving Seeds: At the end of the season, save some dried beans for planting next year. Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Common Challenges and Solutions
• Poor Germination: If seeds aren’t sprouting, ensure the soil is warm enough and try soaking seeds before planting.
• Leggy Growth: If plants are tall but not producing flowers, they may be getting too much nitrogen or not enough sun. Relocate to a sunnier spot or reduce fertilizer.
• Yellowing Leaves: This can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and consider a light application of compost tea.
Culinary Uses
Scarlet runner beans are versatile in the kitchen. Young pods can be steamed, sautéed, or added to stir-fries. Mature beans have a nutty flavor and can be used in soups, stews, or as a protein-packed side dish. Try them in a classic three-bean salad or a hearty chili for a nutritious twist.
Note: Runner beans should be cooked before consumption. We like to stew them in stock with garlic and herbs for about 20 minutes on medium heat and we like to eat them over fresh pasta.
Why Grow Scarlet Runner Beans?
Beyond their practical benefits, scarlet runner beans bring joy to the garden. Their cascading vines and fiery blooms create a living curtain of color, while their beans provide a sustainable source of homegrown food. Plus, their ability to enrich the soil makes them a gift that keeps on giving.
Scarlet Runner Bean seeds are available in our catalog at Kids Seed Co. https://kidseedco.com/