Blog

When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Crittenden 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.

Crittenden County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 808 feet, Crittenden County receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Crittenden County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Crittenden County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (119 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 11
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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 423 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,382 GDD — county provides 4,522 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 18
Direct Sow March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 18
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Jul 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
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 7b

Growing Season

229 days

Growing Tips for Crittenden 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 Crittenden County, AR?

Crittenden County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crittenden County, AR?

Crittenden County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Crittenden County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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