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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30 Nov 21, Andrew (New Zealand - temperate climate)
When Scarlett Runner beans get to the top of the frames they tend to drop down to find somewhere to attach. They get really quite top heavy and dark. Can you snip off the top once they go over. By the way we get huge amounts of beans. Also Butter Bean do extremely well here in the BOP
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30 Nov 21, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You can safely snip off your scarlet runners when they reach the top of the frames. They will produce more shoots lower down.
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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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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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Showing 31 - 36 of 36 comments
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There is also the Scarlet Runner Bean.

- Cynthia M LePere

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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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