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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Scott 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.

Scott County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.

At an elevation of 797 feet, Scott County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, 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.

Scott County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
209 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
209 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Jul 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 6

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,120 GDD — county provides 3,344 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 โ€“ Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 3
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ May 3
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 โ€“ Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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

209 days

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, AR?

Scott County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, AR?

Scott County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 31.

๐ŸŒฑ

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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 Scott County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.