How to Care for Scarlet Runners

Scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) is a fast-growing ornamental vine often grown for its bright red flowers. Scarlet runner produces a bean that is edible if not as stringy as a snap bean. The shelled beans are often eaten like Limas at the fresh stage. Although highly ornamental, scarlet runners are pole beans and are very simple to care for once they get started. Growing 12 to 15 feet long, scarlet runners are a large, bold addition to annual and vegetable gardens alike.

Things You'll Need

• Scarlet runners

Instructions

1. Plant scarlet runners once all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees. Set seeds 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep, 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 30 to 36 inches apart. Place a trellis nearby so the beans are able to begin scrambling up it as soon as they emerge.

2. Harvest beans beginning 75 to 85 days after seedling emergence. Keep beans picked off to prolong the life of the scarlet runner vines and promote additional flowering.

3. Check the scarlet runners regularly for insects or signs of disease. Watch for discolored foliage and fuzzy yellow insects on the scarlet runner plants. Water only when the plants are very dry and do not overfertilize.

Tips & Warnings

• Add scarlet runners to hummingbird gardens to attract more birds.

• Scarlet runners are sensitive to heat and may begin to die back before other beans in areas where summers are very hot.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Beans, Scarlet Runner
• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: Beans
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Beans