When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Warren County, IL
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.
Warren County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 801 feet, Warren County receives approximately 36.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.
Warren County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Warren County
How your county's soil matches Scarlet Runner Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Scarlet Runner Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Warren County is excellent for Scarlet Runner Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Scarlet Runner Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans
Succession Planting Scarlet Runner Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Warren County, IL
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Warren County
Growing Tips for Scarlet Runner Beans in Warren County
Direct sow Scarlet Runner Beans outdoors after April 13 in Warren County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Scarlet Runner Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Warren County, IL?
Warren County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Warren County, IL?
Warren County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Warren County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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