When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Chippewa 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.
Chippewa County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 621 feet, Chippewa County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Chippewa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Chippewa County, MI
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
153 days
Growing Tips for Chippewa 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
Level Up Your Garden
Scarlet Runner Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Chippewa County, MI?
Chippewa County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chippewa County, MI?
Chippewa County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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