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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Calhoun County, AR

Scarlet runner beans are ornamental and edible climbing beans with vivid red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Both the young pods and mature beans are edible.

Calhoun County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.

At an elevation of 1,246 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 52.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scarlet Runner Beans root diseases.

Calhoun County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
227 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
227 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 23 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Jul 30

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 43 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,435 GDD — county provides 4,653 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Calhoun County, AR

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 โ€“ Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 19
Direct Sow March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 19
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 โ€“ Jul 12

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

227 days

Growing Tips for Calhoun County

Provide tall trellising for vigorous vines. Direct sow after frost. Harvest pods young for snap beans or let mature for shelling beans. Tubers are perennial in mild climates.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Calhoun County, AR?

Calhoun County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, AR?

Calhoun County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Calhoun County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Calhoun County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.