When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Lafayette 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.
Lafayette County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 819 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, 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.
Lafayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Lafayette County, AR
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jul 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
236 days
Growing Tips for Lafayette 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
Level Up Your Garden
Scarlet Runner Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Lafayette County, AR?
Lafayette County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafayette County, AR?
Lafayette County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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