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When to plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Jo Daviess County County,

Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Jo Daviess County County from May 1 to May 22 in spring. Jo Daviess County County sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around April 24 and first frost on October 11.

When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Jo Daviess County, IL

Jo Daviess County, Illinois Zone 5a June

Your June game plan for Jo Daviess County, Illinois

Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost April 24
Avg. first frost October 11
Soil temp (4") 69°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.1 hrs
  1. Fire up the seed-starting tray: scarlet runner beans

    Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.

To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: scarlet runner beans

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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.

Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 501 feet, Jo Daviess County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.

Jo Daviess County, IL (Zone 5a) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Jo Daviess County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Aug 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Aug 29

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 Jo Daviess County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.9–7.3) overlaps with Scarlet Runner Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Scarlet Runner Beans will thrive.

How to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans

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

Succession Planting Scarlet Runner Beans

3
successive plantings in your 170-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.

Scarlet Runner Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 190 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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jo Daviess 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 ~1,068 GDD — county provides 2,592 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Jo Daviess County, IL

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

170 days in Jo Daviess County

Growing Tips for Scarlet Runner Beans in Jo Daviess County

Direct sow Scarlet Runner Beans outdoors after April 24 in Jo Daviess County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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 Jo Daviess County, IL?

Jo Daviess County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jo Daviess County, IL?

Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Jo Daviess County County, ?

In Jo Daviess County County, , plant Scarlet Runner Beans after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jo Daviess County County, for Scarlet Runner Beans?

Jo Daviess County County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Scarlet Runner Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Scarlet Runner Beans grow in Jo Daviess County County's climate?

Yes — Scarlet Runner Beans grows well in Jo Daviess County County's temperate climate. Jo Daviess County County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Jo Daviess County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jo Daviess 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.

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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 Jo Daviess County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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