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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Boyle County, KY

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.

Boyle County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 2,831 feet, Boyle County receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scarlet Runner Beans root diseases.

Boyle County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Boyle County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (83 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Jul 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 19

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~962 GDD — county provides 2,695 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Boyle County, KY

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 11
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Aug 3

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 6b

Growing Season

196 days

Growing Tips for Boyle 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 Boyle County, KY?

Boyle County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boyle County, KY?

Boyle County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 26.

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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 Boyle County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.