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When to plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Fulton County, GA

Fulton County gardeners should plant Scarlet Runner Beans between March 30 and April 20 in spring. With Fulton County's Zone 8a climate (last frost March 23), Scarlet Runner Beans needs 60–80 days to mature — plant by August 18 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Fulton County, GA

Fulton County, Georgia Zone 8a June

Your June planting checklist for Fulton County, Georgia

Welcome to June in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost March 23
Avg. first frost November 6
Soil temp (4") 78°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.2 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.

Fulton County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 457 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Scarlet Runner Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scarlet Runner Beans root diseases.

Fulton County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Fulton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 2 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Jul 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 1

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 Fulton County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Scarlet Runner Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Fulton County is excellent for Scarlet Runner Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Scarlet Runner Beans.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Scarlet Runner Beans.

How to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans

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

Succession Planting Scarlet Runner Beans

4
successive plantings in your 228-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.

Scarlet Runner Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fulton 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 ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,990 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Fulton County, GA

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 – Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Fulton County

Growing Tips for Scarlet Runner Beans in Fulton County

Direct sow Scarlet Runner Beans outdoors after March 23 in Fulton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Fulton County's clay soil (26% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Scarlet Runner Beans. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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 Fulton County, GA?

Fulton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fulton County, GA?

Fulton County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Fulton County, GA?

In Fulton County, GA, plant Scarlet Runner Beans after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fulton County, GA for Scarlet Runner Beans?

Fulton County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Scarlet Runner Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

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

Yes — Scarlet Runner Beans grows well in Fulton County's temperate climate. Fulton County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.

🌱

Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 8a). 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 Fulton County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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