Growing Beans - climbing, also Pole beans, Runner beans, Scarlet Runners

Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
        P              

(Best months for growing Beans - climbing in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 9-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, spinach, lettuce, summer savory, dill, carrots, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry, cucumbers, zucchini, tagates minuta (wild marigold)
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (Chives, leek, garlic, onions), Florence fennel

Your comments and tips

08 Mar 22, Kelly (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In my past experience of growing beans like scarlet runner in Southern Tasmania, they are prolific. And now, I am in Northern Coastline, I have to do the opposite of everything I have done in Tasmania. Nonetheless, it is all about knowing and tweaking the timing. We can always trick the plants to do what we want them to do. (Gardening is not as organic and natural as one may think. It is highly mathematical and formulated if you want the best yield). Good luck experimenting.
11 Mar 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes, growing stuff in southern Aussie seems to be a spring summer thing whereas in the northern half more like autumn winter. Gardening is about germinating and growing in the best season to suit each crop to achieve the best results. I don't grow much in summer because of cyclones, heat, wind, rain, humidity. It is the old - reward for effort equation.
02 Mar 22, Dena Vidovich (Australia - temperate climate)
Why aren't my runner beans flowering?
02 Mar 22, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
It might just be a bit early . Try spraying with some cool water.
14 Jan 22, Midhun (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi I’ve planted scarlet beans this year and they were growing good and producing good numbers of beans but after few days the leaves started turning yellow and the plant is dying very quickly, any one know what is the problem here? Thanks
24 Jan 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check for bean fly grub in the stems. I dont grow beans in Autumn for that reason, grow mine in Spring
03 Dec 21, Greg (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Does that include just planting seeds right now? I have heard that too - too much water can rot the seed too. I'm planting dwarf, yellow wax.
07 Dec 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Plant into damp soil and give a quick watering then don't water for 3-4 days and only give a light watering depending on how dry the top 2(?)
30 Nov 21, Andrew (New Zealand - temperate climate)
When Scarlett Runner beans get to the top of the frames they tend to drop down to find somewhere to attach. They get really quite top heavy and dark. Can you snip off the top once they go over. By the way we get huge amounts of beans. Also Butter Bean do extremely well here in the BOP
30 Nov 21, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You can safely snip off your scarlet runners when they reach the top of the frames. They will produce more shoots lower down.
Showing 11 - 20 of 259 comments

Please can anyone in your organisation assist and guide me. I live in Sydney Australia. I am looking for information on vegie plants and herbs. I have a lot of time as a retired person. I also have space to grow vegies. However for the last two years I have failed. Along the brustic fences I have prepared beds of 1.5 mtrs x 6 mtrs. Good super soil as called by the supplier, was put in to the beds for a depth of a foot. I also have my own compost bins and put in a lot of effort in mixing etc through the year. So this compost of 40 : 1 Brown and Gtreen matter, is also added. the plants start well and for all the effort i get about 3 cucumbers and other beans, Oakra, capsicums etc grow halfway and then die. Presently in spring they get partial sunlight, but not a lot of direct sunlight. Could the neighboring tree roots be responsible for this problem. I love my gardening and spend at least 4 hours or more a day. PLeeeeese can anyone help me or can I talk to someone. A Horticulturalist might help me. Thank you so much in anticipation. Warm regards Peter

- PETER B HART

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.