Growing in Townsville

Best time to plant runner bean in Townsville

Phaseolus coccineus

Also called scarlet runner bean, multiflora bean

Sow runner bean in Townsville in Feb to Oct.

Originally from the Central American mountains, runner beans are vigorous vines that can climb 3 m or more, with long pods up to 25 cm and usually red flowers. They are grown for food and for show. Cook pods and beans before eating, because raw beans can make you ill.

When to sow in Townsville

Townsville, QLD is in the tropical zone. Its months for runner bean apply here without a frost adjustment.

Not yet checked against a local guide.

Your local conditions can shift any months shown here, so treat them as a guide.

Frost in Townsville

Townsville frosts in fewer than 1 year in 10, so frost doesn't hold back any planting here.

From its Bureau of Meteorology station, 1991 to 2020, counting a night at 2°C or lower as a frost. Frost hollows and hillsides can shift these dates by weeks, so ask the growers at your garden too.

On a shared plot: suits a plot

Finishes in a season and stays within its space, so it suits most plots.

Growing details

How to start
Sow directly in the bed
Sowing depth
25mm
Plant spacing
30cm
Row spacing
20cm
Height
300cm
Germination
4-7 days at 16-22°C
Time to harvest
70-90 days
Frost
Frost tender
Sun
Full sun
Life cycle
perennial, grown as an annual in cool climates

These are typical figures, and varieties differ. Your seed packet takes priority.

Runner Bean elsewhere

Runner Bean across Australia