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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Grant County, KS

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.

Grant County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,096 feet, Grant County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Grant County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Grant County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (69 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Aug 24

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 781 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~962 GDD — county provides 2,461 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Grant County, KS

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 โ€“ Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19
Direct Sow April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 19
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 โ€“ Aug 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 6a

Growing Season

179 days

Growing Tips for Grant 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 Grant County, KS?

Grant County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Grant County, KS?

Grant County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Grant County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Grant County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.