The scarlet runner bean, Phaseolus coccineus, is a soft herb that grows higher than the common bean and is native to the mountains of Mexico and Central America. In the 1600s, it was grown as a food plant in English and early American gardens. Today, it is mostly grown for its beautiful flower stalks. Unlike regular green beans (P. vulgaris) this is a perennial species, although it is usually treated as an annual. It’s a short-lived perennial vine that grows tuberous roots from which new shoots grow every year in mild climates (zones 7–11) where it’s not an evergreen. In Mesoamerica the thick, starchy roots are used as food. P. Coccineus has dark green, heart-shaped, three-foliate leaves that look a lot like pole beans. The undersides of the leaves have purple veins that run through them. The twining vines grow quickly and can be up to 15 feet long, though they are usually closer to 6 to 8 feet in Midwestern gardens. They can grow through other plants or up a trellis or other support in a garden. About two months after planting, the plants produce bright red or sometimes white typical legume flowers. The two lower petals join together to form a “keel,” the upper petal changes into a hood-like “standard,” and the petals on the sides spread out as “wings.” ” Up to 20 inch-long flowers are produced in each cluster (raceme) along the vines. Flowers open at sunrise and fade at sunset. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees. Flowers are followed by typical bean pods up to a foot long. Under ideal conditions scarlet runner bean is the most productive of all the beans. When it’s hot, fewer pods open, so the best times to grow beans may be in the fall or when it’s cooler in the summer. The seeds are about an inch long, with 6-10 seeds per pod. Because runner beans easily cross-pollinate, they need to be kept separate so that heirloom bean seeds can grow. The edible flowers have a bean-like flavor and can be used in salads. You can boil, steam, sauté, or bake the green pods until they become fibrous. They can also be eaten raw, but not too often. Because they are tougher than many green beans, they are best sliced before cooking. Some people do not like the rough texture of the skins. You can shell and cook the white or multicolored seeds inside the pods like lima beans while they are still light pink, or you can eat them later when they are dry. The dried seeds, which have a chestnut-like flavor, require a long soaking and cooking time. The seeds can be white, shiny black, violet-black with deep red or violet-purple mottling, or black with red or purple mottling. When cooked, the gray color is not very appealing. Scarlet runner bean is often grown as an ornamental just for the colorful flowers. Removing the developing pods will encourage the plant to continue to flower. You can put the climbing plants over a chain link fence for a short time, as a seasonal wall for privacy, or up a trellis to block an unpleasant view. Grow them on a tuteur or a teepee made of 6–8 poles or long canes tied together at the top to add height to a bed or border or to make a garden focal point. For more color on the support structure, mix them with white morning glories or yellow and orange Thunbergia alata. Scarlet runner beans do best when they are grown in full sun in soil that is rich in organic matter and has a normal level of moisture. This type of green bean can handle cold better than others, so the seeds can be planted before the soil is fully warm (but at least 50ºF), but the leaves can’t handle frost, so don’t plant too early. Plant the seeds where you want them, 2 to 3 inches deep, and 4 to 8 inches apart. Unlike regular beans, when the plants germinate, the cotyledons remain in the ground (called hypogeal germination). Germination takes 7 – 14 days. You can start indoors a few weeks before the last frost date and move the plants outside after they’ve been hardened off. Place supports such as poles, strings or netting near the plants at the time of sowing or transplanting. Protect the young plants from rabbits and slugs. Provide abundant water during flowering and pod expansion; mulching around the plants will conserve water. Do not fertilize heavily as this will promote lush foliage instead of flowers and beans. To save seed, leave pods on the vines for as long as possible, ideally until they are completely dry and the seeds inside rattle. If frost is expected, however, pick the mature pods and bring them inside to dry completely. If you want to grow this plant in a warm climate, you can dig up the tuberous roots and store them in cool, damp sand until spring. The resulting plants should flower much sooner than plants started from seed. A number of cultivars have been selected but many are not readily available. Frequently seed packages are offered for just scarlet runner beans.
Green beans are a popular vegetable enjoyed around the world. But there’s often confusion around the different types of green beans and whether green beans and runner beans are the same thing. In this article, we’ll clarify the relationship between green beans and runner beans and go over the key differences between these two common bean varieties.
What are Green Beans?
Green beans, also known as snap beans or string beans, refer to the unripe fruit and protective pods of various cultivars under the common bean species Phaseolus vulgaris. They are a warm season crop that thrives in summertime.
Some of the most common types of green beans include
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Bush beans – Grow on compact, bushy plants. Common varieties are Blue Lake, Contender, and Provider.
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Pole beans – Grow on vines that can reach up to 9 feet tall. Require trellising. Common varieties are Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder and Scarlet Runner.
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Wax beans – Have yellow pods rather than green. Common varieties are Golden Wax and Purple Wax.
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Yard Long – Exceptionally long pods, sometimes reaching over a foot. Often used in Asian cooking.
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and fiber. They also contain good amounts of folate, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium.
What are Runner Beans?
Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are a less common type of bean in a separate species from most other edible beans. The vines can grow up to 10-15 feet tall and produce brilliant red flowers, which is why they are also called scarlet runner beans.
The beans themselves are large with a tough skin and have a mealy texture. Common varieties include Scarlet Emperor, White Emergo, and Sunset.
Runner beans contain about the same nutrients as green beans but have slightly higher protein. They also contain more phytohaemagglutinin, the toxin found in many raw beans, so require thorough cooking.
A couple key differences between runner beans and green beans:
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Runner beans grow on more vigorous vines. They require sturdy trellises for support.
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The beans have thicker pods and larger seeds. Most green beans have slimmer, more tender pods.
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Runner beans thrive in colder weather than most green beans. They are more frost tolerant.
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Runner beans have showier flowers in bright red. Green bean flowers are less noticeable.
Are Green Beans Runner Beans?
Green beans and runner beans are two distinct species of beans. However, there can be some confusion:
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Green beans are sometimes referred to as “bush beans” or “pole beans.” Runner beans are a variety of pole bean. So some may use the terms “green beans” and “runner beans” interchangeably when referring to pole bean varieties.
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Certain green bean cultivars like Scarlet Runner green beans are very similar to runner beans. They have vigorous vines and bright red blossoms. But botanically Scarlet Runner green beans are still Phaseolus vulgaris.
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Young, immature runner bean pods can occasionally be eaten like green beans. But the texture and taste is somewhat different.
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Runner beans are a type of pole bean. All runner beans are pole beans.
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But not all pole beans are runner beans. Many pole bean varieties like Blue Lake are common green bean cultivars.
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Varieties like Scarlet Runner can be confusing due to similarities with true runner beans. But they remain separate species.
Growing Tips for Green Beans vs. Runner Beans
Green beans and runner beans generally require similar care when growing:
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Full sun is ideal, at least 6 hours per day.
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Fertile soil with good drainage is important. Raised beds can improve drainage.
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Consistent moisture, especially when flowering and setting pods. Mulch can help retain moisture.
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Support for pole bean vines via trellises, fencing, or poles.
However, there are a few key differences:
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Planting time: Green beans thrive in summer heat. Runner beans are more cold tolerant and can be planted 2-4 weeks earlier in spring.
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Germination temperature: Green beans germinate best at 70°F soil temperature. Runner beans can sprout in cooler 50°F soil.
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Plant spacing: Pole green beans do best at 4-6 inches apart. Give runner beans more room at 6-8 inches.
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Trellis height: Runner bean vines often reach 10+ feet. Make sure trellises are tall enough to support vigorous growth.
Which Should You Grow?
Green beans and runner beans each have their advantages. Here are some factors to consider when choosing:
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Climate and growing season – Runner beans excel in cooler conditions. Green beans need hot weather. Choose the variety suited to your region.
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Pod use – Green beans generally have more tender pods for eating fresh. Runner beans have tougher pods often used shelled or dried.
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Plant habit – Bush green beans take up less space. Pole beans of both types produce higher yields but need trellising.
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Flavor – Green beans offer classic, familiar flavor. Runner beans are best when dried, with a distinct, nutty taste.
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Appearance – Runner beans have stunning flowers. Certain green bean varieties have ornamental purple pods.
While green beans and runner beans share some similarities and overlap in names, they belong to two separate bean species with distinct characteristics. Green beans have many cultivars but normally produce slender, smooth pods on smaller plants. Runner beans are vigorous climbers with large pods and seeds, showy flowers, and greater cold hardiness. Both can be nutritious additions to the garden when their unique growing needs are met.
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FAQ
What is the difference between green beans and runner beans?
What kind of beans are green beans?
What is the difference between pole beans and green beans?
What’s the difference between green beans and snake beans?
What is the difference between runner beans and green beans?
Runner and green beans are both edible legumes but are different plants. Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are a climbing vine, while green beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris) are a bushy plant. The latter also have larger, flatter pods than green beans. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between runner beans and green beans:
What type of beans should one eat?
The most healthy beans are chickpeas, lentils, peas, kidney beans, black beans, soybeans, pinto beans, and navy beans. They contain a lot of fiber and proteins.
Can you eat raw green beans & runner beans?
Raw green beans and runner beans have low levels of a toxic compound called lectin phytohaemagglutinin. In small amounts, it’s not dangerous but can build up in your gut if you eat too many raw beans. So it’s safe to try the occasional bean in the garden for flavor, but don’t use loads in salads!
Are hunter green beans runner beans?
Hunter are the perfect beans for anyone struggling to choose between runner beans and French beans and they are flat podded, stringless French beans, which look and cook like runner beans, with the flavour and texture of green beans. Hunter green beans come as both bush beans and pole beans, so be sure to choose the right variety for your garden.