When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in San Miguel 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.
San Miguel County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 8,402 feet, San Miguel County receives approximately 21.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.
San Miguel County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — San Miguel County, CO
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
| Direct Sow | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 28 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Sep 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
113 days
Growing Tips for San Miguel 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 San Miguel County, CO?
San Miguel County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Miguel County, CO?
San Miguel County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help San Miguel County gardeners in Zone 5a 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.