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 61°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 8 inches 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

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.
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
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.
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. .
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.
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?
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.
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
08 May 17, Mary Holland (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Will runner beans give beans for more than 1 year, if left in the soil.?
08 May 17, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes, they will keep going unless you get frosts.
Showing 21 - 30 of 36 comments

Each different area of Australia has its particular requirements to be successful. This info is generalized for growing veggies. 1. All day direct sun is best - things just don't grow without it. 2. Good soil and replenish with compost or manures etc. each year. Give your soil a break from crops for a few months each year and add the compost and work it in. Dig it over a few times. 3 Regular watering - small plants - light, regular watering - bigger plants - fewer waterings but more volume of water. Then you need to know which plants to plant each season. I plant beans in April and the bean fly kills the young plants. I planted about 2 1/2 mths ago and have great plants now - just starting to pick them now. I have trouble with Zucchini and Capsicums some times of the year. Capsicums need a certain temperature to pollinate I recently read. I have trouble with my Zucchinis - no bees to pollinate. I am doing it by hand at the moment. Next year I'm going to plant some flowers in my other gardens to attract the bees. I explained in a post the other day to go to The Seed Collection website and print off the Sowing Chart. It is a guide for different climates. Go on the internet and type in "How to grow ------" and read up about it. Look for Australian websites. Gardening Australia etc. Look up seed selling companies and read about how and when to grow different veggies. I'm going on a holiday tomorrow for 2 weeks - will have my computer with me. Email me if you like. [email protected]. When I come home we can talk on the phone.

- Mike

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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.
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