Magic Beanstalk
Scarlet Runner Bean
(Phaseolus coccineus)
Vigorous Scarlet Runner Bean plants twine into showy full-leafed 10 to12 foot vines as quickly as Jack’s beanstalks. They are soon covered with sprays of brilliant scarlet blossoms that attract hungry hummingbirds. Flowers are followed by wide, meaty edible pods. Left on the vines, the fat pods swell with fascinating big black and purple swirled “magic beans” to treasure (or cook up), or save and plant for another summer’s fairy tale garden.
Vigorous Scarlet Runner Bean plants twine into showy full-leafed 10 to12 foot vines as quickly as Jack’s beanstalks. They are soon covered with sprays of brilliant scarlet blossoms that attract hungry hummingbirds. Flowers are followed by wide, meaty edible pods. Left on the vines, the fat pods swell with fascinating big black and purple swirled “magic beans” to treasure (or cook up), or save and plant for another summer’s fairy tale garden.
ANNUAL VINE
Summer/fall bloom with edible pods and seeds
Frost tender
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Beans don’t transplant well, so we advise sowing seeds where they are to grow. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Always wait until weather is warm before planting seeds so beans will germinate and grow well. Keep bean vines well watered. In very hot climates, beans will flower but not set pods until weather moderates in fall. Both the crispy bean flavored blossoms and the flat green pods are deliciously edible; let some of the pretty purple and black beans mature in their pods to use for tasty dry bean recipes.
Seed Count: 18-22 / Weight: 22 gms
