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When to plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Apache County, AZ

Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Apache County during the brief May 27–June 17 window. With 143 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 10.

When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Apache County, AZ

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.

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Scarlet Runner Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Scarlet Runner Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Apache County, AZ (Zone 6b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Apache County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Scarlet Runner Beans

Scarlet Runner Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Scarlet Runner Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 0.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Apache County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Apache County, AZ

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors June 3 Jun 3 – Jun 17
Direct Sow May 27 May 27 – Jun 17
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 – Sep 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

143 days in Apache County

Growing Tips for Apache 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Apache County, AZ?

Apache County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Apache County, AZ?

In Apache County, AZ, plant Scarlet Runner Beans after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Apache County, AZ for Scarlet Runner Beans?

Apache County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Scarlet Runner Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Scarlet Runner Beans grow in Apache County's climate?

Yes — Scarlet Runner Beans grows well in Apache County's temperate climate. Apache County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around October 10.

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Your Apache County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Apache County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Apache County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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