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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Carlisle 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.

Carlisle County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 4,000 feet, Carlisle County receives approximately 44.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Carlisle County, KY (Zone 6b) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
217 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Carlisle County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 22 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Jul 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Jul 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Aug 5

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 264 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,797 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 โ€“ Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

217 days

Growing Tips for Carlisle 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 Carlisle County, KY?

Carlisle County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carlisle County, KY?

Carlisle County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is October 31.

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