Scarlet Runner beans put on a show. With brilliant red flowers and vines that can climb as high as 15 to 20 feet, they make a show-stopping display in the garden July through October. Because it is Phaseolus coccineus (as opposed to vulgaris), the Scarlet runner acts a little differently from the vulgaris species: it likes cooler temperatures and can be grown as a perennial in zones 7 to 11. Bean lore has it that the Scarlet Runner inspire the fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk.

Characteristics:

• Matures in 60 to 65 days
• Harvest when beans are 3 to 5 inches long
• Grows to 8 to 12 (and occasionally 15 to 20) feet
• Annual, but can be grown as a perennial in warmer zones
• Ornamental with clusters of vivid red flowers
• Harvest beans when young and tender, and lightly steam

Do you grow Scarlet Runner snap pole beans? What do you like about them? Please tell us about your Scarlet Runner green beans.