Runner bean: when to sow, plant out and harvest
Sowing, planting and harvest dates for your climate, good and bad companions, growing tips.
When to sow in your region
Average dates, computed from the frost dates of each climate. For your exact dates, choose your town.
| Climate | Sow under cover | Sow outdoors | Plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern France | 1 April – 30 April | 1 May – 31 July | 1 May – 31 May | 1 July – 31 October |
| Atlantic coast | 22 March – 20 April | 21 April – 21 July | 21 April – 21 May | 21 June – 4 November |
| Eastern France | 24 March – 22 April | 23 April – 23 July | 23 April – 23 May | 23 June – 29 October |
| Mediterranean | 18 February – 19 March | 20 March – 19 June | 20 March – 19 April | 20 May – 20 November |
| Mountains (around 1,000 m) | 26 April – 25 May | 26 May – 25 August | 26 May – 25 June | 26 July – 29 September |
Growing
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Latin name
- Phaseolus coccineus
- Cold tolerance
- Tender (killed by frost)
- Soil temperature to germinate
- 16 °C minimum
- Emergence
- 5–8 days
Companion planting
The level of evidence is shown for each pairing: many rest on tradition rather than on studies.
Good neighbours
- Sweet cornScientific study
- Winter squash and pumpkinScientific study
- Pot marigoldExtension service
- NasturtiumExtension service
- BeetrootTraditionSources disagree
- BorageTradition
- CabbageTradition
- CarrotTradition
- CauliflowerTradition
- CeleryTradition
- Courgette (zucchini)TraditionSources disagree
- CucumberTradition
- DillTradition
- Eggplant (aubergine)Tradition
- LettuceTradition
- LovageTradition
- French / African marigoldTradition
- Melon (cantaloupe)Tradition
- Sweet and chilli peppersTradition
- PotatoTradition
- RosemaryTradition
- SpinachTradition
- StrawberryTradition
- SunflowerTradition
- TomatoTradition