Scarlet Runner Bean Seeds

★★★★★ Ornamental & Edible Vine Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Scarlet Runner Bean is one of the most beautiful and productive climbing plants a gardener can grow. Combining brilliant scarlet-red flowers, lush green foliage, edible pods, and attractive bean seeds, this heirloom favorite serves equally well as an ornamental vine and a productive garden crop.

Throughout summer, vigorous vines climb trellises, fences, arbors, and garden structures while producing clusters of vivid scarlet blossoms that attract hummingbirds from great distances. The flowers are followed by long, slender green pods that can be harvested young as snap beans or allowed to mature for their large decorative beans.

Its combination of beauty, productivity, and pollinator value has made Scarlet Runner Bean a favorite in cottage gardens, vegetable gardens, and ornamental landscapes for centuries.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus coccineus
• Common Names: Scarlet Runner Bean, Runner Bean, Scarlet Emperor Bean
• Plant Type: Annual climbing bean vine
• Mature Length: 10 to 20 feet
• Growth Rate: Very fast
• USDA Zones: Annual in most climates
• Flower Color: Brilliant scarlet-red
• Bloom Time: Summer through early fall
• Fruit: Long green edible pods

Landscape Uses

Scarlet Runner Bean is ideal for trellises, arbors, pergolas, fences, vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, children's gardens, hummingbird gardens, and privacy screens.

Its rapid growth allows it to quickly cover structures while providing months of colorful blooms and edible harvests.

Germination Information

Runner beans germinate quickly under warm soil conditions.

• Sow seeds directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
• Plant seeds 1 to 1½ inches deep.
• Space seeds 4 to 6 inches apart.
• Maintain soil temperatures above 65°F.
• Keep soil evenly moist.
• Germination generally occurs within 7 to 14 days.

Direct sowing is usually preferred, as beans dislike root disturbance.

Growing Information

Scarlet Runner Beans thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.

Regular watering encourages abundant flowering and pod production. The vines appreciate sturdy supports since mature plants can become quite heavy.

In cooler climates, flowering often continues well into autumn.

Container Growing

Scarlet Runner Beans perform surprisingly well in large containers equipped with strong trellises or teepees.

Containers should hold at least 10 to 15 gallons of soil for best growth and productivity.

The combination of flowers and edible pods makes them outstanding patio plants.

Pollinator Value

The brilliant scarlet flowers are among the finest hummingbird attractors in the vegetable garden.

Bees, butterflies, and numerous beneficial insects also visit the nectar-rich blossoms throughout the season.

Wildlife Value

Scarlet Runner Beans provide valuable nectar resources while creating cover for beneficial insects among the dense foliage.

The flowers often become a major feeding station for hummingbirds during summer migration periods.

Historical and Cultural Facts

Scarlet Runner Beans originated in the highlands of Mexico and Central America, where they were cultivated long before European contact.

The plant was introduced into Europe during the sixteenth century and quickly became popular both as an ornamental and food crop.

In England, Scarlet Runner Beans remain one of the most widely grown garden vegetables.

Botanical Facts

• Member of the Fabaceae (Bean) family.
• Produces edible flowers, pods, and beans.
• Can fix atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility.
• Flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
• Often produces larger flowers than common garden beans.
• One of the few beans commonly grown for both ornament and food.

Seedman's Note

Scarlet Runner Bean may be the ultimate dual-purpose garden plant. Few vines can match its combination of spectacular flowers, wildlife value, rapid growth, and edible harvests.

Additional Seedman's Note

If you're looking for a vine that offers beauty, productivity, and hummingbird attraction all in one package, Scarlet Runner Bean is hard to beat. Whether grown on a garden arbor or backyard trellis, it provides months of colorful blooms and useful harvests.