How to grow Scarlet Runner Bean in New Zealand
Scarlet runner beans are vigorous climbers with bright scarlet flowers that bees love and long, flat pods that are best picked young. They prefer cooler summers than French beans, which makes them a good choice for much of New Zealand. In mild districts the roots can survive winter and reshoot, though most gardeners sow fresh each year.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Scarlet Runner Bean in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | October to January | |
| Auckland | October to January | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | October to January | |
| Central North Island | November and December | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | November to January | Sow Nov to Jan once the soil is warm. Runner beans cope with cool summers better than French beans, but need a sturdy frame out of the wind. |
| Nelson & Marlborough | November to January | Frost tender. Sow Nov to Jan once the soil has warmed. |
| Canterbury | November and December | |
| Otago & Southland | November and December | Frost tender. Sow in November or December once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. |
| Central Otago | November and December | Frost tender. Sow in November or December once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. |
Not to be confused with: French or green beans, a different species that is more tolerant of heat and comes in bush and climbing types.
Where to plant
Grow runner beans in full sun with shelter from strong wind, as the leaves are easily damaged and the tall frames catch the wind. They like fresh, rich, deep soil that holds moisture, so dig in plenty of compost. Put up a sturdy frame or bamboo teepee before sowing.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty: sow from October, and again in late summer for an autumn crop.
- Central North Island and Canterbury: sow in November and December.
- Wellington and Nelson: sow from November to January once the soil is warm; runner beans cope with cool summers better than French beans.
- Otago, Southland and Central Otago: sow in November or December once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
Choosing a variety
- Scarlet runner is the classic, with red flowers and long, flat, dark green pods for eating fresh, blanching or freezing.
- Heirloom runner beans with white, bicoloured or purple flowers, and some grown for their large, colourful dried beans, are also sold in New Zealand.
How to plant
- Put up a strong frame or teepee about 2 m tall.
- Once the soil is warm, sow seeds about 5 cm deep and 20 to 30 cm apart at the base of the supports.
- Water in well, then keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seedlings appear.
- Guide the young shoots onto the supports; they twine on their own once started.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil moist, especially once the plants flower; dry soil causes flowers to drop without setting pods. Mulch deeply. Feed with a balanced fertiliser when flowering starts; too much nitrogen gives leaves and few pods.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pinch out the growing tips once they reach the top of the frame.
- Plant bee-attracting flowers such as borage, lavender or thyme nearby; runner beans depend on bees to set pods.
- Pick pods regularly, as plants stop flowering once pods are left to mature.
Harvesting
Pick pods young, while they are tender and before the beans inside swell, often every two or three days at the peak. Old pods become stringy. For dried beans, leave some pods on the plant to mature and dry, then shell and store the beans; dried runner beans must be cooked thoroughly.
Companion planting
Runner beans fix nitrogen and bring bees to the garden with their flowers.
Good companions
- Sweet Corn Shares the summer bed; tall corn also gives some wind shelter.
- Lettuce Grows in the light shade at the base of the frame.
- Radish A quick crop for the gaps while the beans establish.
- Marigold Brings in helpful insects.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to scarlet runner bean.
Pests and diseases
Slugs and snails on seedlings and green vegetable bug on pods are the main pests.
Pests to watch for
- Slugs and snails (slugs and snails) Seedlings eaten off as they emerge.
- Aphids Black or green aphids clustered on shoot tips and flower stems.
- Green vegetable bug Shield bugs and nymphs on pods, which become marked and distorted.
- Slugs
Diseases to watch for
- Rust Rusty brown pustules on the undersides of leaves late in the season.
- Halo blight Small dark spots with a pale yellow halo on the leaves, spread by rain splash.
Common questions
Why are my runner bean flowers falling off?
Usually dry soil, hot weather or too few bees. Keep the soil moist with deep mulch, water in the evening in hot spells, and grow bee-attracting flowers nearby.
What is the difference between runner beans and French beans?
They are different species. Runner beans have bright flowers, longer, rougher pods and cope better with cool summers. French beans are more heat tolerant and come in bush and climbing types.
When should I pick runner beans?
Young, while the pods are tender and before the beans inside swell. Pick every few days to keep the plants flowering.
Are runner beans perennial?
The roots can survive mild winters and reshoot, and some gardeners keep them for a few years, culling poor plants. Most sow fresh seed each spring.
Can I eat runner bean seeds?
Yes, as dried beans, but cook them thoroughly, as raw or undercooked beans contain lectins that cause stomach upsets.
Sources we checked: Kings Seeds: Bean Runner Scarlet; Kings Plant Barn: Beans grow well guide; Yates NZ: How to grow beans.