Phaseolus coccineus
30 seeds
Maturity: 80 days
Introduced to gardeners by botanist John Tradescant in 1630, Scarlet Runner is native to the Americas. Often grown for its beautiful flaming red flowers, blossoms will attract beneficial insects and hummingbirds alike. Harvest long fuzzy green pods when young or allow seeds to form for fresh or dry beans. Pods and beans are best eaten cooked. 5-12" pods, 6-14'; vines.
From the Farmers
We found out Scarlet Runner was one of our favorites the year we had to go to a wedding at the end of September. When we returned, everything else had frosted and molded but Scarlet Runner was laden with pods and still producing well into October. Vigorous vines require good staking and beans can be eat at all stages. We harvest them young but fully mature pods have been well over 12" long. They hold well in the freezer and are our bean of choice for winter storage and with Leah's miso honey glaze.
This seed has become increasingly difficult to find. Please keep it going and plan to save some of your own seeds this season.