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When to plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Kent County, DE

Spring Scarlet Runner Beans in Kent County goes in April 9–April 30, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Kent County, DE

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.

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Kent County, DE (Zone 7b) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
216 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

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 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Kent County, DE

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Jul 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent 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 Kent County, DE?

Kent County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, DE?

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 4.

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Kent County, DE?

In Kent County, DE, plant Scarlet Runner Beans after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kent County, DE for Scarlet Runner Beans?

Kent County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Scarlet Runner Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

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

Yes — Scarlet Runner Beans grows well in Kent County's temperate climate. Kent County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 4.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kent County (Zone 7b). 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 Kent County, DE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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