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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Marshall 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.

Marshall County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.

At an elevation of 1,550 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Marshall County, KY (Zone 6b) Long season
212 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
212 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Marshall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 28 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Jul 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 8

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
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 349 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,172 GDD — county provides 3,551 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 โ€“ Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 1
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 โ€“ May 1
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Jul 24

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

212 days

Growing Tips for Marshall 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 Marshall County, KY?

Marshall County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marshall County, KY?

Marshall County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

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