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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Conejos County, CO

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.

Conejos County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.

At an elevation of 6,770 feet, Conejos County receives approximately 24.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Conejos County, CO (Zone 4b) Short season
100 days
Last Spring Frost June 9
100 growing days
First Fall Frost September 17

Conejos County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: Jun 20 🍅 Harvest: Aug 22 – Sep 26
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 7 Transplant: Jun 30 🍅 Harvest: Sep 1 – Oct 6
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 20 Transplant: Jul 13 🍅 Harvest: Sep 14 – Oct 19

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 ~805 GDD — county provides 1,150 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Conejos County, CO

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 7 Apr 7 โ€“ Apr 21
Transplant Outdoors June 30 Jun 30 โ€“ Jul 14
Direct Sow June 23 Jun 23 โ€“ Jul 14
Harvest September 1 Sep 1 โ€“ Oct 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

100 days

Growing Tips for Conejos 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 Conejos County, CO?

Conejos County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Conejos County, CO?

Conejos County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Conejos County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Conejos County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.