CORVALLIS, Ore. — If you have trouble getting other green beans to germinate in early May because of cold soil, try planting a patch of scarlet runner beans first before your pole and bush green beans.
Runner beans — including the well-known scarlet runner — are the most popular green bean in Britain. Native to Central and South America, they were brought to England in the 1700s.
With beautiful red-flowered climbing vines, scarlet runner beans make wonderful ornamentals and provide an edible crop. The red flowers are prized by hummingbirds and trellis owners alike.
Runner beans are naturally more cold tolerant than other green beans, explained Oregon State University vegetable breeder Jim Myers.
“You'll find them growing at higher elevations in their native habitat than the common bean,” Myers said. “They also have adaptations to cold climates such as cotyledons [seed leaves] that remain below ground rather than above ground as in the common bean. They also have tuberous roots allowing them to overwinter here in Western Oregon if grown in a sheltered area where they are protected from too much cold and moisture.”
As with green beans, there are both pole and bush types of runner beans. Unless you want to grow runner beans for shelling beans, harvest the long green pods when they are young and tender, before seeds begin to form. Tougher than many green beans, they are best sliced before cooking. Some varieties available include ‘Scarlet Emperor,’ ‘Scarlet Runner’ and ‘Dwarf Bees.’
If grown to maturity and used as shelling or dry beans, the beautiful speckled seeds make a flavorful addition to winter minestrone.
When to plant in different Oregon regions
- Western valleys (Willamette, Rogue, Umpqua): Beans are typically planted from late April through June once soils warm; runner beans can be sown earlier than common beans but still after danger of frost. Use a soil thermometer and aim for ~60°F soil for dependable germination. Dates vary by microclimate.
- Oregon Coast: Cool, maritime springs slow soil warming. Direct-sown beans need warm soil; consider starting with transplants or wait until local guidance says soils are warm enough. Runner beans can be a good first sowing when conditions are marginal.
- Central Oregon (High Desert): Short seasons and late frosts mean planting after the average last frost (often late May into June, depending on location). Use local last-frost dates and a soil thermometer. Row cover or protected starts can help.
- Eastern and Southern Oregon (interior valleys/plateaus): Warmer summers but variable spring frost risk; follow post-frost timing and 60°F soil cues, similar to western valleys, adjusting to your site.
Previously titled Runner beans are beautiful and edible
