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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Lewis 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.

Lewis County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 1,979 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Lewis County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Lewis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (75 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Aug 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Aug 30

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
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 69 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,172 GDD — county provides 3,015 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 21
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 โ€“ Aug 13

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 6b

Growing Season

180 days

Growing Tips for Lewis 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Lewis County, KY?

Lewis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lewis County, KY?

Lewis County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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