When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Roscommon 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.
Roscommon County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,298 feet, Roscommon County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Roscommon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Roscommon County, MI
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Direct Sow | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
140 days
Growing Tips for Roscommon 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Roscommon County, MI?
Roscommon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Roscommon County, MI?
Roscommon County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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