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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Franklin 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.

Franklin County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 1,224 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Franklin County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Jul 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Aug 4

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 171 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,797 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 โ€“ Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 26
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 โ€“ Jul 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March โ€”
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 7a

Growing Season

217 days

Growing Tips for Franklin 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Franklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, AR?

Franklin County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

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Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Franklin County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.