How to grow Scarlet Runner Bean in Australia
Plant in full sun in rich, moisture retentive soil after frost. These vigorous climbers need a tall, sturdy support to scramble up.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 20 cm
- Time to harvest: 70 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March and April, August to October | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March and April, September and October | Coastal follows SEQ. Hinterland frost pockets: wait until September for spring sowing. Autumn sowings crop best, once the heat is off. |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to November | Frost free, but runner beans drop their flowers without setting pods above 30 degrees. Sow Sep to Nov so the first crop sets before the summer heat; plants often crop again in autumn. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to November | Classic Melbourne bean. Cooler conditions than standard beans. Spring sow only. |
| Adelaide & SA | September to November | Frost tender. Sow Sep to Nov after the last frost; flowers drop in hot weather, so early sowings set the most pods. |
| Perth & WA | September to November | Frost free, but hot, dry summers make runner beans drop their flowers without setting pods. Sow Sep to Nov where plants get afternoon shade and water deeply, so the first crop sets before the heat; plants often crop again in autumn. |
| Tasmania | October to December | Sow Oct to Dec. Runner beans love cool summers and crop for years from the same roots. A genuine Tasmanian winner. |
| Canberra & ACT | November and December | Frost tender. Sow Nov to Dec after the last frost. Crowns can overwinter under mulch and reshoot in spring. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Needs cool conditions. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Needs cool conditions. |
Varieties
- Scarlet Runner
- Painted Lady
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick pods while young, tender and snapping cleanly before the beans inside swell. Pull or snip pods off and keep picking, as steady harvest prompts more pods.
Storage
Young pods fridge for 3 to 4 days. Dry beans store for years in a sealed jar.