Vegetable · Fabaceae family
runner bean
Phaseolus coccineus
In short a 10-second read
Runner bean (vegetable) grows to 2.4–3.6 m tall and 0.9–1.5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in May–June. Harvest in July–September.
× spread 0.9–1.5 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 6–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
tie in (as needed); cut back by a third (as needed)
Sowing
direct sowing: May–June
Harvest
July–September
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow runner bean?
In May–June (direct sowing).
When is runner bean harvested?
In July–September.
Does runner bean tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does runner bean need?
At maturity 0.9–1.5 m wide and 2.4–3.6 m tall; recommended spacing 20 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (7)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Phaseolus coccineus
- RHS — Runner beans — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Phaseolus coccineus
- EPPO Global Database — Phaseolus coccineus
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
