Scarlet Emperor Runner Bean is a vibrant climbing bean that reaches 8 feet tall, producing stunning scarlet flowers followed by long, tender pods ready to harvest in just 55 days. This heirloom variety thrives in zones 7-11 and grows quickly with minimal fussing, making it as rewarding for beginners as it is for seasoned gardeners. The beans themselves are fast-growing plants that take little care to perform well, and they'll naturally enrich your soil with nitrogen as they grow, a gift that keeps on giving season after season.
Full Sun
Moderate
7-11
96in H x 4in W
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Moderate
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The true appeal of Scarlet Emperor lies in its combination of ornamental charm and practical productivity. Those scarlet blossoms transform a simple vegetable garden into a showstopper while you wait for the first tender pods. At 8 feet tall with a narrow, vining habit, it's a natural choice for trellising and creates living walls that produce food. The short 55-day harvest window means you can plant successive sowings throughout the growing season and enjoy continuous harvests.
Scarlet Emperor Runner Beans are grown primarily for their young, tender pods, which are harvested and cooked as a fresh vegetable. The beans are eaten at the immature pod stage when they're most tender and flavorful, typically prepared by steaming, sautéing, or adding to soups and stews.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Direct sow Scarlet Emperor Runner Bean seeds into warm soil once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds at the spacing and depth indicated below.
Harvest Scarlet Emperor Runner Bean pods at approximately 55 days after planting. Pick the pods while they're young and tender, before the beans inside begin to bulge noticeably, as this is when they offer the best flavor and texture for cooking. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more pods throughout the season.
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