How to Grow Scarlet Runner Bean in Australia
A cool-season fruiting crop for the home garden
Growing Scarlet Runner Bean at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-5/week on green beans. Perennial in mild climates, so it comes back each year.
This guide covers when to plant Scarlet Runner Bean in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Scarlet Runner Bean is a cool-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, September and October. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Scarlet Runner
Standard variety with vivid red flowers. Heavy cropping. The cottage garden classic.
Try: Eden Seeds, Mr Fothergill's, Diggers, Bunnings
Painted Lady
Bicolour red-and-white flowers. Heritage variety. Same use as standard scarlet runner.
Try: Eden Seeds, Diggers
Position and Soil
Give Scarlet Runner Bean full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+ with trellis, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 4 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 20 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 12 and 22 degrees.
Phaseolus coccineus. Climbing bean with brilliant scarlet flowers that attract hummingbirds (and every pollinator in your garden). Perennial in mild climates. Prefers cooler conditions than standard beans. Young pods eaten as green beans. Dried beans excellent in stews. The classic English cottage garden bean.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids and Bean fly. The main diseases to watch are Rust and Halo blight. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Scarlet Runner Bean is typically ready to harvest in around 70 days (about 2 months). Young pods fridge for 3-4 days. Dry beans store for years in a sealed jar.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, scarlet runner bean is good young pods sliced as green beans, dried beans used in soups and stews, flowers used as edible garnish and seeds saved and replanted. Nutritionally: high in plant protein and fibre and good source of iron.
Companion Planting
Scarlet Runner Bean grows well alongside Corn, Lettuce, Radish and Marigold. Keep it away from Onion, Garlic and Fennel. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Scarlet Runner Bean Growing
Add scarlet runner bean to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scarlet Runner Bean in Australia?
Scarlet Runner Bean is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, September and October. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Scarlet Runner Bean take to grow?
Scarlet Runner Bean is generally ready to harvest in around 70 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Scarlet Runner Bean in a pot?
Yes. Scarlet Runner Bean grows well in a container of 30cm+ with trellis with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Scarlet Runner Bean need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Scarlet Runner Bean in the Plant Library
