Scarlet Runner Bean (Pole)

Phaseolus coccineus

Seeds per pack ~ 20 

Germination:  85%  (Packed for 2025) 

Origins and History – The Scarlet Runner Pole Bean (Phaseolus coccineus) is an heirloom variety native to the highlands of Central America, particularly southern Mexico and Guatemala. Cultivated by Indigenous peoples for centuries, it was valued both as a food source and for its striking ornamental appeal. Introduced to Europe in the 1600s, it quickly gained popularity not only as a productive food crop but also as a decorative flowering vine in cottage gardens. In many cultures, it has been grown as both a dry bean and a fresh vegetable, and it remains a cherished dual-purpose heirloom.

Appearance and Characteristics – This vigorous climbing bean produces lush green foliage and brilliant scarlet-red blossoms that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. The vines can reach 8–12 feet in height with proper support, making them ideal for trellises, arbors, or fences. The pods are long, flat, and bright green when immature, eventually maturing to reveal large, plump seeds with a mottled purple-and-black pattern. It is a perennial in frost-free climates but is typically grown as an annual in temperate regions.

Culinary Uses – Scarlet Runner Beans are versatile in the kitchen. The young pods can be eaten fresh like snap beans, offering a tender, mild flavor. The mature seeds can be shelled and cooked fresh or dried for long-term storage. When dried, the beans have a rich, nutty taste and creamy texture, making them excellent in soups, stews, casseroles, and hearty bean dishes. Flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish in salads.  These beans are a good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins (such as folate and vitamin C), and minerals (such as iron and potassium).  hey are also known for their high antioxidant content.

Growing Tips – Best suited for USDA Zones 4–11, Scarlet Runner Beans thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 55–60°F. Plant seeds 1–1½ inches deep and 6 inches apart, spacing rows 24–36 inches apart. Provide sturdy vertical support early, as vines grow rapidly. Regular watering during flowering and pod set improves yields, but avoid waterlogging. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Guidance – For fresh eating, harvest young pods when they are tender and before seeds begin to bulge. For shelling, allow pods to swell and seeds to fully develop before picking. To store dried beans, leave pods on the vine until they turn brown and papery, then shell and cure beans in a dry, airy location before storing in airtight containers. Frequent harvesting of young pods encourages continued production throughout the season.