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              

(Best months for growing Beans - climbing in USA - Zone 5a 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 16°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 20 cm 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

08 Jul 13, hannes Gouws (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I have yard beans. The beans length grow up to 68 cm. If anyone is intrested in seeds, they can contact me. Hannes
20 Oct 14, Cynthia (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would really lov e to buy some seeds from you ! Need to supplement veggies for Registered Non Profit Soup Kitchen in Benoni Central Methodist Church! We feed from 250 to 300 people every week! Please help! Many thanks! Cynthia!
27 Jan 14, Sue Kingma (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I would love some seeds of yard long beans
03 Oct 13, Roshni (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would be really grateful to buy some seeds.
17 Sep 13, Launa Devis (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Hannes, I would like to obtain some seeds. I live in Secunda and started my own veg garden. I would love to obtain some seeds. Can you help, please? Thanks Launa
04 Sep 13, NICK BESTER (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hannes, Could you please help Nick with some seeds? His email ad is as above. He lives in the west coast at Langebaan. Please email if you have any yard long bean seeds. Regards Ruth Bester ( We do not publish email addresses unless they are part of the comment, Liz Gardenate)
22 Jun 13, psalm (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
PLS HELP ME OUT I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT PLANTING OF RUNNER BEANS IN NIGERIA
24 Apr 13, Louis Weyer (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Where can I get Scarlet Runner Bean seed?
08 Dec 12, jolene (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
How high does the bean stalk go and how do I support the stalk al the way? It seems like it will go forever high?? (-: When will I know to remove the whole plant and start from scratch, with other words? How many times do I reap from one plant before I take out the whole plant and plant a new one?
12 Sep 12, Tracey (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good day I'm searching for Scarlet runner bean seed, please help thank you Tracey
Showing 11 - 20 of 21 comments

To make a U cover (better description is an n shape) for climbing beans would be quite a job and probably expensive if you don't have the materials around the yard now. We had climbing bean at the Men's Shed over 8' tall. Beans don't need bees. For dwarf beans you could go to Bunnings and buy a roll of wire netting (dog mesh or similar) - I think they do 5 M rolls. 1200mm or 1500 mm high would be better. Make a shape like a small n - 1200 mm 400 up each side and 400 across the top. With the 1500 mm 500 up each side and 500 across the top. Cover with 50 or 70% shade cloth - ($5/mtr Bunnings). Shade cloth is 1800mm wide - so put that over the top and lay some wood posts or what ever along the cloth on the ground - also put a piece of tin or wood on the end to stop them going in that way. My plants are growing pretty good - will be interesting to see if they flower soon. My tunnel is a little small.

- Mike

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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. Gardenate 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.