Painted Lady Runner Bean
Best dual-purpose heirloom for gardeners seeking both ornamental beauty and harvests.
Discover the Painted Lady Runner Bean, an heirloom variety originating from Central America. This annual vegetable produces stunning scarlet and white edible flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Harvest the thick, meaty pods when young for a sweet snap bean, or allow the seeds to mature for fresh cooking or drying. Hardy to Zone 7, this bean thrives in full sun and requires support structures like trellises for optimal growth. Enjoy a bountiful harvest with this visually appealing and delicious addition to your garden.
$3.85
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-64%
Below average
Botanical Name
Phaseolus coccineus
/ Phaseolus coccineus
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dual-purpose ornamental and edible plants
- Homesteaders prioritizing high-yield crops in moderate climates
- Home cooks desiring flexible harvest options for diverse recipes
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in regions with intense summer heat
- Beginners lacking space or materials for heavy-duty trellising
- Busy growers unable to maintain a frequent harvest schedule
Performance breakdown
Ornamental Appeal
Striking scarlet and white blooms provide exceptional visual impact for gardens.
Pollinator Attraction
Highly effective at drawing hummingbirds and butterflies to your outdoor space.
Culinary Versatility
Edible flowers and dual-purpose pods offer creative options for the kitchen.
Growth Requirements
Requires dedicated vertical support structures to reach full production potential.
Climatic Hardiness
Limited to Zone 7, restricting viability for gardeners in colder regions.
Harvest Efficiency
Quick sixty-five day maturity window ensures a reliable seasonal yield.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Phaseolus coccineus
Days to Maturity
65 days
Seed Sowing Depth
1 inch deep
Germination Temperature
Optimum soil temperatures 60-75ºF
Recommended Zone
Hardy to zone 7
Seed Count
25 seeds per packet
Plant Spacing
8-12 inches apart
Row Spacing
4-6 inches apart (thinned to 8-12 inches)
Features
- Attractive scarlet and white edible flowers.
- Thick, meaty, and sweet pods when young.
- Seeds can be cooked fresh or dried.
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Heirloom variety for unique gardens.
- Requires support for best growth.
- Edible flowers add beauty to salads.
What customers say
Gardeners consistently highlight the exceptional quality and reliability of these Painted Lady seeds. The germination rate is frequently noted as outstanding, leading to vigorous, healthy vines. Customers appreciate how easily these beans establish themselves, providing a beautiful display of red and white flowers followed by a generous harvest. This dual performance, offering both ornamental beauty and edible yield, makes them a highly satisfying choice for any garden space.
Know before you buy
Yes, both are edible. The scarlet and white flowers make a beautiful, flavorful addition to salads, while the pods are best harvested young when they are thick, meaty, and sweet.
Yes, this is a runner bean variety that needs a trellis, fence, or pole system to grow properly. Providing support ensures better air circulation and makes harvesting much easier.
The Painted Lady Runner Bean typically reaches maturity in 65 days. You can harvest the pods early for snap beans or wait until the seeds fully mature for fresh cooking or drying.
No, this variety is not recommended for container gardening. Because they are vigorous climbers that require specific spacing and support, they perform best when planted directly in the ground.
These seeds should be planted 1 inch deep in soil that is between 60-75ºF. They require full sun exposure and moderate watering to thrive throughout the growing season.
Absolutely. The vibrant scarlet and white flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a great choice for gardeners looking to support local pollinator populations.
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