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
      S S S S          
      T T T T T        
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Beans - climbing in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

28 Mar 14, kwoba lawrence Juma (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Am actually a Kenyan, i've used south Africa because there was no option for Kenya, and its in Africa. Am doing a project on the performance of climbing beans in different soils, as my undergraduate project. i would like to have your advice about the same. am a Kenya, carrying out the project in Eldoret region of kenya.
18 Feb 14, Robyn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If I can add to my own question, I have just found some tiny black and white bugs with very long antennae on the leaves of the plants, and tiny little holes in the leaves. I've tentatively identified the bugs on the Net as coon bugs, but can't find any info on how to get rid of them. Has anyone had any experience of these?
18 Feb 14, Robyn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted purple king runners recently and they began climbing well, then died from the bottom up, just as quickly. Have just tried again and the same thing is happening. They are getting enough water and other plants in the garden (they share a bed with capsicum) are not having problems. Any advice would be appreciated.
01 Feb 14, Allen Lee (Australia - temperate climate)
Scarlet runner beans can be obtained from"Diggers seeds"this is UK's .most popular bean they also have a few selection in beans.
16 Jan 14, Marilyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy Scarlet Runner beans in Rockingham Western Australia
17 Apr 14, Lyn (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm in Rockingham and bought mine in Bunnings Rockingham. They grew extremely well (just about took over the garden) with lots of flowers but very few beans. I think it is the wrong climate for Scarlet Runners as it is too hot to set beans. I'm going back to the ordinary round runner beans.
30 Dec 14, Di (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try snake beans. They are also known as yardlong. I find them generous and hardy. I grow both the red and green types. I love scarlet runner beans but sadly, they only seem to do well in cooler climates.
12 Dec 13, sabrin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
how far apart do you plant scarlet runner beans
03 Jan 14, Julie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Sabrin, we planted ours about 30 cm apart.
05 Dec 13, Angela (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the purple kings growing. started off really well lots of flower and quite a few beans before they had reached the top of the pole. Now the lower leaves are all turning rust colour and not producing many beans. any suggestions. I have fed them with dynamic lifter about 3 weeks ago. They have had water from reg rainfall. 2 or 3 heavy rains per week.
Showing 121 - 130 of 183 comments

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