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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Marion 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.

Marion County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 898 feet, Marion County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Marion County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (79 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Jul 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (81 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Aug 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (80 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Aug 16

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
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 731 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,377 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 17 Feb 17 โ€“ Mar 3
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 12
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 โ€“ Aug 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

193 days

Growing Tips for Marion 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Marion County, KS?

Marion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, KS?

Marion County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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