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
S S             S S S S
T T               T T T
P P               P P P

(Best months for growing Beans - climbing in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

September: sow after frost

  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
31 Jan 20, Al Rankin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Thanks for your reply. It gives me some confidence in the plants!!! Cheers Al
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03 Feb 20, Al Rankin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Great News. I was out this evening watering the Vegies. And what did I find, a number of Red Flowers on my Beans! Thanks for your support!
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12 Jan 20, Allison (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can I plant seed of scarlet runners now, January, and expect them to produce beans?
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15 Jan 20, Anon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Go to the top of the page and look in the calendar months for the Green cells with a white P.
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24 Nov 19, Felix Hodgson (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I have blue Peter bean seeds. Free. Postage at your cost.
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02 May 21, Sue Hedden (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi Felix, where about are you? We are also in sub-tropical climate, south coast of KZN, but often come to Durban We would LOVE some seeds! Hope we are not too late! Sue, 0721933945
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07 Sep 19, Sailesh Gajurel (New Zealand - temperate climate)
As well as i am planning to grow snake beans on my garden this year sowing seeds on what interval shall i do seedling for continuous supply of beans throught the season
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09 Sep 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Water the garden the day before you are going to plant the seeds. Put the seeds in a glass of water the night before you are going to plant them. Plant the seeds the next day and give a light watering. DO NOT water again for 4 days. Then give a light watering each second day - depending on your soil type.
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09 Sep 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
About each 4-5 weeks.
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18 Jan 19, Alison (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown mangere pole beans regularly for the past few years but this year's don't taste nice at all - a very strong soapy flavour. I haven't tried cooking any yet - we've just tried them raw. Has anyone had a similar experience? Thank you.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 261 comments
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Hi Kathryn, I live in North Queensland and was having the exact same problem! Tried growing climbing beans in three different areas of the garden , sunny during April/May, all sprouted fine and then died after 2 or so weeks. Watered well. Some say fertilise, others don’t. Some say water well, others don’t. I should try growing them again now but a little hesitant. Did you end up getting a crop?

- Bec Care

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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.
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