Scarlet Runner Bean in Zone 10a & 10b
Phaseolus coccineus
When to plant scarlet runner bean in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Scarlet Runner Bean tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Jan 9–Jan 16 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 6–Feb 13 |
| Estimated bloom | Apr 17–Apr 24 (~70 days after planting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 6-9 ft.

Scarlet runner bean is a vigorous flowering vine in the same genus as garden beans, but it's usually grown for its bright red, edible flowers and ornamental value on a trellis rather than for the bean pods, which are edible too but a secondary reason to grow it.
How scarlet runner bean fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Scarlet Runner Bean needs about 70 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Scarlet Runner Bean.
Where to buy scarlet runner bean seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing scarlet runner bean" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Pin this for later
Growing Scarlet Runner Bean in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
Save to Pinterest