Bean Seeds, Scarlet Runner Pole Bean

Scarlet runner bean is native to the mountains of Mexico and Central America, growing at higher elevations than the common bean. By the 1600’s it was growing in English and early American gardens as a food plant but now is more frequently grown as an ornamental for its showy sprays of flowers.

This is a perennial bean, although it is usually treated as an annual in mild climates and in areas with frost. (zones 7 – 11) it’s a short-lived 7year perennial vine, forming tuberous roots from which new shoots sprout.  

Striking edible Scarlet red flowers, heart-shaped green foliage. Beans are edible and delicious when young.  Keep pods picked for continuous blooming

Germination takes 7 – 14 days. You can start indoors a few weeks before the average last frost and transplant into the garden after hardening off the young plants. Place supports such as poles, strings or netting near the plants at the time of sowing or transplanting. Protect the young plants from rabbits and slugs. Provide abundant water during flowering and pod expansion; mulching around the plants will conserve water.  Do not fertilize heavily as this will promote lush foliage instead of flowers and beans. 

How to Grow Pole Beans Pole Bean Varieties Bush Bean Varieties How to Grow Bush Beans Companion Plant Guide

• Botanical Name - Phaseolus coccineus
• Treated - No
• Stringless – Yes (when young)
• Bean Type - Pole
• Pod Color - Green
• Seed Color - Multi
• Germination Time - 7-14 Days
• Days to Maturity - 75 Days
• Maximum Height – 10 ft
• Spread - Runner
• Fruit / Blossom Size - 6-8 inches Long, 5-6 Beans Per Pod
• Disease Resistant - Resistance to Common Mosaic Virus, Pod Mottle & Curly Top Virus
• Breed - Open Pollinated
• Germination Rate – 90%
• Lifecycle – Annual/ Perennial
• Watering – 1 inch per week
• Sow Method – Plant in Place
• Sow Depth 1-1/2 inch
• Plant Spacing 4-6 inch

CLASSIFICATION: OPEN POLLINATED, HEIRLOOM

Open pollinated means this plants flowers are fertilized by bees, moths, birds, bats, and even the wind or rain. The seed that forms produces the same plant the following year. 

All heirlooms are open pollinated, but not all open pollinated plants are heirlooms. Only a small fraction of the plant world is considered heirloom.

This variety has a history of being passed down within communities and families as early as the 1700's, similar to the generational sharing of items like jewelry or furniture.

COMPANIONS:

• Beet
• Cabbage Family
• Carrot
• Celery
• Chard
• Corn
• Cucumber
• Eggplant
• Pea

ALLIES:

• Marigold deters Mexican bean beetles
• Nasturtium and rosemary deter bean beetles
• Summer savory deters bean beetles, improves growth and flavor

ENEMIES:

• Garlic, onion and shallot stunt the growth of beans