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 P P

(Best months for growing Beans - climbing in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

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04 Jul 22, Lolly Jones (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I have a entire row of beautiful pole beans with blooms but no beans. What do I need to do to get beans?
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05 Jul 22, (USA - Zone 4a climate)
From flower should come beans, give it time.
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08 Mar 22, Kelly (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In my past experience of growing beans like scarlet runner in Southern Tasmania, they are prolific. And now, I am in Northern Coastline, I have to do the opposite of everything I have done in Tasmania. Nonetheless, it is all about knowing and tweaking the timing. We can always trick the plants to do what we want them to do. (Gardening is not as organic and natural as one may think. It is highly mathematical and formulated if you want the best yield). Good luck experimenting.
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11 Mar 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes, growing stuff in southern Aussie seems to be a spring summer thing whereas in the northern half more like autumn winter. Gardening is about germinating and growing in the best season to suit each crop to achieve the best results. I don't grow much in summer because of cyclones, heat, wind, rain, humidity. It is the old - reward for effort equation.
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02 Mar 22, Dena Vidovich (Australia - temperate climate)
Why aren't my runner beans flowering?
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02 Mar 22, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
It might just be a bit early . Try spraying with some cool water.
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14 Jan 22, Midhun (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi I’ve planted scarlet beans this year and they were growing good and producing good numbers of beans but after few days the leaves started turning yellow and the plant is dying very quickly, any one know what is the problem here? Thanks
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24 Jan 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check for bean fly grub in the stems. I dont grow beans in Autumn for that reason, grow mine in Spring
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03 Dec 21, Greg (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Does that include just planting seeds right now? I have heard that too - too much water can rot the seed too. I'm planting dwarf, yellow wax.
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07 Dec 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Plant into damp soil and give a quick watering then don't water for 3-4 days and only give a light watering depending on how dry the top 2(?)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 261 comments
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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!

- Debby Elizabeth Arnold

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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. GardenGrow 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.
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