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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Cheboygan County, MI

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.

Cheboygan County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.

At an elevation of 1,090 feet, Cheboygan County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Cheboygan County, MI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
169 days
Last Spring Frost May 5
169 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Cheboygan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Aug 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Sep 16

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 ~858 GDD — county provides 2,070 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Cheboygan County, MI

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 โ€“ Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 9
Direct Sow May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 9
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 โ€“ Sep 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

169 days

Growing Tips for Cheboygan 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 Cheboygan County, MI?

Cheboygan County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cheboygan County, MI?

Cheboygan County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cheboygan County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Cheboygan County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.