When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Hinsdale County, CO
Your May game plan for Hinsdale County, Colorado
Your garden in Hinsdale County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Direct-sowing: scarlet runner beans
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.
Hinsdale County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.
At an elevation of 6,833 feet, Hinsdale County receives approximately 23.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Hinsdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.1
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.
Soil Compatibility in Hinsdale County
How your county's soil matches Scarlet Runner Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.1) is more alkaline than Scarlet Runner Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Hinsdale County is excellent for Scarlet Runner Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Scarlet Runner Beans.
How to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Hinsdale County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Scarlet Runner Beans Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Hinsdale County, CO
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 16 |
| Direct Sow | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Harvest | September 3 | Sep 3 – Oct 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
84 days in Hinsdale County
Growing Tips for Scarlet Runner Beans in Hinsdale County
Direct sow Scarlet Runner Beans outdoors after June 18 in Hinsdale County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 84.0-day growing season in Hinsdale County is tight for Scarlet Runner Beans (60.0-80.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Scarlet Runner Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Hinsdale County receives only 24" of rain annually. Scarlet Runner Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Scarlet Runner Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Hinsdale County, CO?
Hinsdale County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hinsdale County, CO?
Hinsdale County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 10.
Your Hinsdale County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hinsdale County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.