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When to plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Putnam County, FL

Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Putnam County from February 9 to March 2 in spring. Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 9b, with last frost around February 9 and first frost on December 2.

When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Putnam County, FL

Putnam County, Florida Zone 9b June

June in the garden — Putnam County, Florida

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Putnam County, Florida.

Avg. last frost February 9
Avg. first frost December 2
Soil temp (4") 87°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.9 hrs

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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.

Putnam County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.

At an elevation of 278 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Scarlet Runner Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scarlet Runner Beans root diseases.

Putnam County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
296 days
Last Spring Frost February 9
296 growing days
First Fall Frost December 2

Putnam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (199 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 14 Transplant: Feb 1 🍅 Harvest: Apr 5 – May 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (191 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 29 Transplant: Feb 16 🍅 Harvest: Apr 20 – May 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (192 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 21 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: May 13 – Jun 17

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 Putnam County

How your county's soil matches Scarlet Runner Beans's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (4.9–6.2) is more acidic than Scarlet Runner Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Putnam County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Scarlet Runner Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Scarlet Runner Beans.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Scarlet Runner Beans.

How to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Scarlet Runner Beans

5
successive plantings in your 296-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 13 to harvest before frost.

Scarlet Runner Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,544 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Putnam 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 needs ~1,488 GDD — county provides 6,311 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Putnam County, FL

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 29 Dec 29 – Jan 12
Transplant Outdoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Direct Sow February 9 Feb 9 – Mar 2
Harvest April 20 Apr 20 – May 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October
November
December Start Indoors

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

296 days in Putnam County

Growing Tips for Scarlet Runner Beans in Putnam County

Direct sow Scarlet Runner Beans outdoors after February 09 in Putnam County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Putnam County dries quickly — mulch Scarlet Runner Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

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.

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Putnam County, FL?

Putnam County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Putnam County, FL?

Putnam County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Putnam County, FL?

In Putnam County, FL, plant Scarlet Runner Beans after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Putnam County, FL for Scarlet Runner Beans?

Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Scarlet Runner Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

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

Yes — Scarlet Runner Beans grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.

🌱

Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam County (Zone 9b). 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 Putnam County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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