What are Scarlet Runner Beans?
They bloom profusely, attracting both hummingbirds and bees.
The vines can grow to 5 metres long, but in colder areas usually only reach 2-3 metres in length.
The flowers are usually red but can also be white.
The flowers are edible and taste like beans.
The pods are edible when young.
The red flowering scarlet runners have beans that are black with purple mottling.
The beans can be eaten fresh or dried.
If you elect to dry them, be sure to soak them for 6 to 8 hours before cooking them.
How to Grow Scarlet Runner Beans from Seeds
Scarlet runner beans need full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
Keep your vines well-watered, at least 2 cm each week.
A thick layer of mulch will help keep the soil moist between watering. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is best.
Scarlet runner beans are a great project for a child’s garden. Kids love to grow them on a tepee that is constructed from 6 to 8 poles.
You will need very long poles because each pole should be at least 60 cm away from the other poles.
Plant your seeds in a circle around each pole, 12 cm inches away from the pole and 12 cm apart. Plant them 5-7 cm deep.
It doesn’t matter which way you plant them.
They should germinate in 1 to 2 weeks.
How to Save Seeds From Scarlet Runner Beans
Scarlet runner beans will cross pollinate with other beans so you can only grow them and no other type of bean if you want to save seed.
To save the seed, allow the pods to dry on the vine.
The pods will be ready when they are brown and the beans are rattling around inside. If there is a frost in the forecast and your pods aren’t quite dry, you can harvest them and bring them indoors to finish drying.
Store the beans in a cool, dark place until you are ready to plant them. They are frost resistant and make a wonderful protein addition to a winter soup.
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