Scarlet Runner Bean (Pole)

Scarlet Runner Bean must have been the original inspiration for "Jack and the Magic Beanstalk"! Native to the mountains of Mexico and Central America, these runner beans sprint at higher elevations than common beans at 15-20 feet! This plant makes a beautiful backdrop with over 20 showy scarlet-red flowers with 1-inch blooms per vine, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. Its one-of-a-kind beans are bright pink when freshly harvested and mature to a majestic purple. Then when fully dried, they turn plum-black! The beans themselves are large, meaty, and tender, offering a delicious, nutty flavor that makes them a favorite in a variety of dishes. This vigorous vine can grow up to 10 feet tall, making it perfect for trellises, fences, or arbors, and it thrives in full sun with minimal care. As a versatile and productive plant, Scarlet Runner Bean produces a bountiful harvest of delicious beans in just 75 to 90 days, and the beans can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or even frozen for year-round enjoyment. Whether looking to add height and color to your garden or create a tasty, nutrient-rich harvest, Scarlet Runner Bean is a truly captivating plant that combines beauty and functionality in one vibrant package.

Also Known As: The Scarlet Conqueror, Scarlet Lady Bean, Vining Red Pole Bean, Fire Beans, Scarlet Emperor, Dutch Runner, Mammoth Bean, Maize Runner Bean.

Plant Name:	Runner Bean, Scarlet Emperor
Latin Name:	Phaseolus coccineus
Days to Germinate:	6-10
Days to Harvest:	70
Plant Height:	6 - 10 Feet
Spread:	18 - 24 Inches
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	4-11
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 7-11
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Scarlet Runner Beans grow best in temperatures between 60F-85F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant Rattlesnake beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 7-9 weeks before the first frost. Plant pole beans in hills about 3 feet apart in the row, placing a 6-8-foot stake in the center of each hill. Plant  3-4 seeds around the stake about 1 inch deep in the soil. If choosing to thin to the strongest plants, plant 4-5 seeds around stakes, determine the strongest and healthiest plants, then remove all other plants, narrowing to 3-4 plants per stake. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	3 feet, stake
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Scarlet Runner pole beans can be harvested when the pods are young, tender, and about 6 to 8 inches long, typically 60 to 75 days after planting. For the best texture and flavor, they should be picked before the beans inside become too large and tough. Regular harvesting every 2 to 3 days encourages continuous production. If the goal is to collect mature beans for drying, allow the pods to remain on the vine until they turn brown and dry, which usually takes 90 to 110 days. Once dried, the pods can be split open, and the beans stored in a cool, dry place.