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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Larue 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.

Larue County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.

At an elevation of 2,923 feet, Larue County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, 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.

Larue County, KY (Zone 6b) Long season
211 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
211 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Larue County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Jul 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Jul 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Aug 12

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 ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,692 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 โ€“ Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ May 2
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 โ€“ Jul 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

211 days

Growing Tips for Larue 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 Larue County, KY?

Larue County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Larue County, KY?

Larue County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 1.

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