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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Kenton 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.

Kenton County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.

At an elevation of 3,323 feet, Kenton County receives approximately 44.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Kenton County, KY (Zone 6a) Moderate season
188 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
188 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Kenton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (80 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Jul 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Aug 28

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,068 GDD — county provides 2,867 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 16
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 โ€“ Aug 8

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

188 days

Growing Tips for Kenton 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 Kenton County, KY?

Kenton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kenton County, KY?

Kenton County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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