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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Spencer 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.

Spencer County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 2,819 feet, Spencer County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Spencer County, KY (Zone 6b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Spencer County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Jul 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Jul 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (88 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Aug 14

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 302 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~1,015 GDD — county provides 2,958 GDD Excellent fit

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 โ€“ Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 6
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 โ€“ May 6
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Jul 29

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

204 days

Growing Tips for Spencer 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 Spencer County, KY?

Spencer County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Spencer County, KY?

Spencer County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 29.

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