VegetableBean
Scarlet Runner Bean
Runner Bean
The Scarlet Runner Bean transforms any garden into a living tapestry with its breathtaking scarlet-red flowers that cascade along vigorous vines reaching 6-8 feet tall. This heirloom beauty offers triple value: stunning ornamental appeal that attracts hummingbirds and pollinators, delicious edible flowers with a crispy bean flavor, and tender flat green pods perfect for fresh eating or drying. Hardy across zones 3-11, it takes a patient 315-385 days from seed to bloom, though some sources report harvest in as little as 50-75 days for young pods. The vines climb with impressive speed, making vertical gardening both productive and spectacular.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-11
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam; Not Waterlogged
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
96 in
Height
12 in
Width
1 in
Spacing
315–385
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual In Temperate Climates, Perennial In Warmer Zones
TypeClimbing - Requires Support
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-11
Size
96in H x 12in W
Growth
Annual In Temperate Climates, Perennial In Warmer Zones
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Scarlet Runner Bean apart is its remarkable versatility as both ornamental showstopper and culinary treasure. The heart-shaped scarlet flowers aren't just beautiful, they're deliciously edible with a distinctive bean flavor, while the flat green pods can be harvested young as snap beans or left to mature into gorgeous purple and black dried beans. These vigorous vines can reach up to 20 feet in a single season according to some growers, creating living walls of color while producing abundant harvests. The stunning visual impact combined with multiple harvest opportunities makes this variety irreplaceable for gardeners seeking maximum beauty and productivity from limited space.
Common Uses
Scarlet Runner Bean excels in multiple culinary applications throughout its growth cycle. The crispy, bean-flavored scarlet flowers make striking edible garnishes and can be harvested as buds or fully opened blooms. Young tender pods measuring four to six inches are perfect as snap beans for fresh eating, while mature pods can be shelled for the immature seeds or allowed to fully dry. The dried purple and black beans are excellent in soups, stews, and traditional dried bean recipes, offering rich flavor and high protein content. Beyond the kitchen, the spectacular flowering vines serve as living screens and vertical garden features.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
40-50 Days After Sowing
First Harvest
65-75 Days After Sowing
Last Harvest
Indeterminate
Variety Details
Main Season
Summer/fall Bloom With Edible Pods And SeedsCare Instructions
Start Indoors
Sow 2-3 weeks before last frost, planting 2 seeds 1 inch deep in individual cell packs. Thin to one plant per cell, then harden off and transplant outside after the last frost when soil reaches at least 60°F.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant after the last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F, maintaining 4 inch spacing between plants.
Direct Sow
Direct sow a couple weeks after last frost when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, sowing about 6 seeds per foot, then thin seedlings to 4 inches apart when true leaves appear.
Harvesting
Harvest edible flowers when they show strong color, either as buds or fully opened blooms, using them immediately or storing unopened buds in the refrigerator for 2-3 days on damp towels. For fresh snap beans, pick pods when young and tender at 4-6 inches long, typically 50-75 days after planting. Keep beans picked regularly to encourage continued flowering. For shelling beans, harvest when pods are plump but still green, or allow pods to mature and dry on the vine for 90-100 days to collect the dried purple and black seeds.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Attracts PollinatorsEdible
Bloom Time
Summer
Scientific Classification
Phaseolus L.
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Phaseolus
Duration
Annual In Temperate Climates, Perennial In Warmer Zones
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (I)VI (I)