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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Kearny 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.

Kearny County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 720 feet, Kearny County receives approximately 22.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Kearny County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Kearny County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (64 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Aug 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Aug 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Aug 30

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 820 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,278 GDD — county provides 3,157 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 1 Mar 1 โ€“ Mar 15
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 24
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 โ€“ Aug 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
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

173 days

Growing Tips for Kearny 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 Kearny County, KS?

Kearny County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kearny County, KS?

Kearny County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kearny 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 Kearny County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.