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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Stephens County, TX

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.

Stephens County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 3,055 feet, Stephens County receives approximately 63.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scarlet Runner Beans root diseases.

Stephens County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Stephens County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Stephens County, TX

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Jul 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

220 days in Stephens County

Growing Tips for Stephens 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 Stephens County, TX?

Stephens County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stephens County, TX?

Stephens County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 10.

🌱

Your Stephens County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stephens 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 Stephens County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.