With their stunning red blooms, scarlet runner beans are a total showstopper in the garden and make a fantastic natural privacy screen for your balcony. Since these beauties are annuals, you’ll need to replant them every year to enjoy that lush look. One pro tip: get your trellis or support system ready *before* you plant, because these guys grow incredibly fast! Ready to get growing? Here is everything you need to know to plant scarlet runner beans like a pro.
Choosing the Right Variety
There are several great varieties of runner beans to choose from, depending on the look you’re going for. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Hestia: A great dwarf variety that stays low to the ground.
- White Emergo (Weiße Riesen): Features beautiful white flowers instead of the classic red.
- Lady Di: The classic choice with vibrant red blooms.
- Golden Sunshine: Another red-flowering favorite with striking chartreuse foliage.
- Painted Lady: A gorgeous bicolor variety with red and white blossoms.
The Ideal Spot
Scarlet runner beans are super versatile—they’re just as happy in a garden bed as they are in a large pot on the balcony. To really thrive, they need a sunny spot that’s protected from harsh winds. They can handle light partial shade, too, if that’s what you’ve got. Just remember: these plants love to climb, so make sure they have a sturdy trellis or fence to scramble up!
The Best Soil
You don’t need anything fancy for these beans; standard garden soil works just fine. However, it’s a good idea to loosen the soil well before planting to help their deep roots establish easily. I also recommend mixing in some compost to give them a nice nutrient boost right from the start.
When to Plant
If you want a head start, you can start your seeds indoors on a sunny windowsill in early spring. Wait until mid-May—once the threat of frost has passed—to move them outside. If you prefer direct sowing, you can plant the seeds straight into your garden beds or containers starting in mid-May as well.
Planting Tips for Success
When you’re ready to plant, give your beans some breathing room. Aim for about 15 to 20 inches (40–50 cm) between plants, and leave about 3 feet (1 meter) between rows.
It’s also smart to think about “companion planting.” Scarlet runner beans play well with neighbors like cucumbers, potatoes, radishes, lettuce, spinach, beets, and tomatoes. However, try to keep them away from onions, leeks, garlic, and fennel, as they don’t get along quite as well.
You’ll usually be ready to harvest in about ten weeks. A little insider secret: the more often you pick the beans, the more the plant will produce. So, keep harvesting to keep those pods coming!
