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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Waushara County, WI

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.

Waushara County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 560 feet, Waushara County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Waushara County, WI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Waushara County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Aug 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Jun 8 🍅 Harvest: Aug 10 – Sep 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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 44 gal / 100 sq ft
Scarlet Runner Beans needs ~752 GDD — county provides 1,741 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Waushara County, WI

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4
Direct Sow May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jun 4
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Season

162 days

Growing Tips for Waushara 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 Waushara County, WI?

Waushara County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Waushara County, WI?

Waushara County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Waushara County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.