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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
23 Jun 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Soak over night - up to 12 hours then plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Feb 21, Tom ( Queensland - sub tropical climate ) (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have been told that SCARLET RUNNER beans, will usually fail to flower and fruit in my sub-tropical Brisbane location, presumably owing to temperatures and humidity. If this is correct for usual planting times, so should I try growing them in our Autumn and Winter period ?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Feb 21, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
There are times of the year to plant a crop and times when not to. I don't plant beans in the autumn/winter - why because the bean fly kills them. Late summer autumn is usually a wet time with rain - rain is the giver of life to most things, plants insects disease. So now I grow my beans from late winter - no bean fly no problems. In sub tropical don't expect to grow much over summer - weather extremes are too hazardous for most plants. I live near Bundy.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Feb 21, Steve (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have given up on Scarlet Runners, had no success in Brisbane, some success in Southern NSW and good crop in Canberra. That should indicate the weather they like :-) I now grow dwarf beans only, fewer pests, bigger crops, no need for frames or teepees.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Feb 21, McDaniel (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Can you start pole beans inside instead of outside. My ground not ready yet
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Feb 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5a climate)
You have to be very careful growing seedlings indoors. New seedlings chase the sunlight and become very long (leggy) and thin stalked and therefore weak. Easy to snap the stalk. I germinate seed under shade cloth part day in sun, part day in shade. Two days after germination I take the shade cloth off. I move the table to vary the hours of sunlight and shade depending on how small/big seedlings are and what the temperature is.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Oct 20, Kenneth Daunt (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some Purple King, first time with these, and they are climbing up the frame very well. I had a suggestion to pinch of the top to encourage them to spread sideways. Is this a good idea? If they keep going, now over 2 m high, I will have to train the leaders dideways or down as they will have run out of support. Cheers.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Jan 21, Pauline (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it ok to plant purple king in January
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Oct 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have done two plantings of climbing beans recently, 1st crop has just finished and 2nd crop I'm picking now. I have trellises 2.4m long and wire mess 2m high. I plant seeds about 15-20cm apart. Didn't take them long to grow 2m tall. Mine just flapped in the wind and then started growing down the trellis. I'm picking 1kg each 2-3 days. So I don't think you need to pinch or train them sideways etc.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Aug 20, Debby Elizabeth Arnold (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I have seed packets of scarlet runner beans and wish to know if I can plant them now, August. It is hot: 87-90 degrees Fahrenheit. But cooling into Sept, and lovely, mid 80’s. Also we are fairly close to the ocean (Fernandina Beach) on 4th dune ridge, but have potting mix and Black Cow. Citrus and basil grow great in our yard. Have a spot there gets mostly full sun. Also my Purple Hyacinth, planted in June were doing great until the husband put weed killer on them and some lilies. Will they come back, or must I replant seeds? This is a first for me. Thank you!
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 40 of 261 comments
See comments for all plants

To make a U cover (better description is an n shape) for climbing beans would be quite a job and probably expensive if you don't have the materials around the yard now. We had climbing bean at the Men's Shed over 8' tall. Beans don't need bees. For dwarf beans you could go to Bunnings and buy a roll of wire netting (dog mesh or similar) - I think they do 5 M rolls. 1200mm or 1500 mm high would be better. Make a shape like a small n - 1200 mm 400 up each side and 400 across the top. With the 1500 mm 500 up each side and 500 across the top. Cover with 50 or 70% shade cloth - ($5/mtr Bunnings). Shade cloth is 1800mm wide - so put that over the top and lay some wood posts or what ever along the cloth on the ground - also put a piece of tin or wood on the end to stop them going in that way. My plants are growing pretty good - will be interesting to see if they flower soon. My tunnel is a little small.

- Mike

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.