Growing Beans - climbing, also Pole beans, Runner beans, Scarlet Runners

Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Beans - climbing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 16°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 20 cm apart
  • Harvest in 9-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, spinach, lettuce, summer savory, dill, carrots, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry, cucumbers, zucchini, tagates minuta (wild marigold)
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (Chives, leek, garlic, onions), Florence fennel

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
18 Jan 19, Alison (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown mangere pole beans regularly for the past few years but this year's don't taste nice at all - a very strong soapy flavour. I haven't tried cooking any yet - we've just tried them raw. Has anyone had a similar experience? Thank you.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Aug 18, John McGregor (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi You say sow bean seeds at soil temps between 16 - 30C or August to April. Our soil temp, in Auckland, wont get to 16C until late October. Will it still be OK to sow in late August. Thanks in anticipation John McGregor
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jan 18, Colleen Middleton (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How many years will runner beans regrow for, before having to replant them? I am having a very good yield in their second season...they did take a long time to sprout initially ...possibly due to a cooler than usual early to mid spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Jan 18, Maurice (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Bumblebees nipping off scarlet runner bean flowers. One writer suggested sugar syrup what quantities and how often do you spray them. Otherwise any other suggestions would be appreciated. .
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Oct 17, Jill Farr (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I grew Scarlet Runner beans last year and while the plants grew well, they didn't grow any beans on them! I was surprised as I have grown them before many times and never had this problem. I am about to plant some for this season, but am keen to receive any ideas about what I could do to ensure getting a good crop.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 May 17, ali (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, I am looking into growing fardenlosa shiny beans commercially and have found a lot of useful info. However I can't seem to find info and how long these plants will produce a good crop and when to re sow?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 May 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Shiny Fardelosa beans take 11-13 weeks to harvest and will bear for 2-3 months. If you are growing them undercover they can be planted all year otherwise plant them in spring up until later in the year.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Sep 17, Mel (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi John, I am growing Fardenlosa in pots in a glasshouse (1500)... are bumblebees the best option to pollinate? cheers
Reply or Post a new comment
08 May 17, Mary Holland (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Will runner beans give beans for more than 1 year, if left in the soil.?
Reply or Post a new comment
08 May 17, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes, they will keep going unless you get frosts.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 30 of 36 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Beans - climbing

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.