Scarlet Runner Beans

Pole Variety - Scarlet runner beans are one of the most beautiful beans a gardener can grow. Delicious 8 inch pods form on tall reaching vines. Flowers bloom all along the vine in thick clusters of vibrant scarlet red. A must-try for those who love unique heirloom varieties. This variety, once dried, is a stunning black and red speckled bean. -MIgardener

Scarlet runner bean is often grown as an ornamental just for the colorful flowers. Removing the developing pods will encourage the plant to continue to flower. Combine them with white morning glories to make them both stand out in contrast on the support structure.

Scarlet runner bean pods are edible at any stage. If you are into growing food – scarlet runner beans are a great choice. You can eat them raw while they are young and not yet fibrous, it makes for a fun snack in the garden.

But as soon as the pods mature and small beans develop, they are not safe to eat raw any longer. But they can be cooked, much like string beans.

The seeds can be used fresh or as dried beans.

Sow 2-3 weeks before last frost, which in zone 7, will be April 17 this year. Two to three weeks before is March 27-April 3. Plant 2 seeds 1" deep in individual cell packs
or containers. Thin to one plant per cell or pot. Harden off and transplant outside after the last frost, up to end of May.

Build a tall teepee of 8 bamboo canes (push canes in as deeply as you can), tying them together at the top with string, with the canes spread out at the base of a diameter of about 1 1/2 feet. Plant at the base of the canes.

Planting to Harvest: 65 days

Harvest: August to September