

Runner Bean ‘Scarlet Emperor’ (Organic Seeds)
Seed Information
- Plant Type Vegetable
- Organic Yes
- Growing Difficulty Easy
- Germination Time 7-14 Days
- Harvest Time 60-75 Days
- Best Season To Grow Late Spring to Early Summer
- SunLight Needs Full Sun / Partial Shade
- Water Requirements Medium To High
- Height Of Maturity 200-300 CM
- None GMO Yes
- UK Native No
‘Scarlet Emperor’ is a traditional British runner bean variety, loved for its vigorous growth, ornamental blooms, and consistent, heavy cropping. This tall climber produces an abundance of long, smooth pods packed with flavour—perfect for steaming, stir-fries, or freezing.
Grown from certified organic seed, this heritage variety also supports pollinators with its bold scarlet flowers, making it as beautiful as it is productive. Ideal for allotments, garden arches, or any vertical space with full sun and fertile soil.
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Type: Climbing runner bean
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Height: Up to 3 metres (10 ft)
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Pod Length: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
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Flavour: Rich, traditional, full-bodied
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Sowing Time: April–June (indoors or direct)
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Harvest Time: July–October
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Support Needed: Trellis, poles, netting or frame
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Certified Organic Seeds
With its classic taste, striking flowers, and generous harvest, ‘Scarlet Emperor’ is a top pick for growers who want beauty and bounty from the same plant.
Growing & Care Instructions
A Vivid Climber with Generous Harvests and Stunning Red Blooms
‘Scarlet Emperor’ is a classic runner bean variety known for its showy scarlet flowers and prolific pods. These organic seeds produce vigorous vines ideal for teepees, trellises, or fences — perfect for pollinator-friendly, productive gardens.
🛒 What You’ll Need:
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Organic Runner Bean ‘Scarlet Emperor’ seeds
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Deep pots or open ground
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Peat-free compost or well-drained soil
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Tall supports (bamboo canes, trellis, wigwam, etc.)
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Watering can and mulch (optional)
Organic Runner Bean ‘Scarlet Emperor’ seeds
Deep pots or open ground
Peat-free compost or well-drained soil
Tall supports (bamboo canes, trellis, wigwam, etc.)
Watering can and mulch (optional)
🌿 Growing & Care Instructions
1. Sowing (Best Apr–Jun)
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Sow indoors in April in pots or direct outdoors from May (after last frost).
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Sow 5cm deep, one seed per pot or 20cm apart in rows.
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Place supports (2m+) at time of sowing — beans climb fast!
Sow indoors in April in pots or direct outdoors from May (after last frost).
Sow 5cm deep, one seed per pot or 20cm apart in rows.
Place supports (2m+) at time of sowing — beans climb fast!
2. Germination
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Germinates in 7–10 days with warmth.
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Keep compost moist and warm (15–18°C) during early growth.
Germinates in 7–10 days with warmth.
Keep compost moist and warm (15–18°C) during early growth.
3. Transplanting (If Started Indoors)
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Harden off plants before moving outside.
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Plant out when about 15cm tall and frost danger has passed.
Harden off plants before moving outside.
Plant out when about 15cm tall and frost danger has passed.
4. Growing On
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Water generously, especially during flowering and pod set.
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Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Tie young plants to supports if needed until they twine on their own.
Water generously, especially during flowering and pod set.
Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Tie young plants to supports if needed until they twine on their own.
5. Feeding
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Beans generally don’t need extra feed in fertile soil.
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If growth slows, apply an organic liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Beans generally don’t need extra feed in fertile soil.
If growth slows, apply an organic liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
6. Harvesting
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Pick pods young and tender (15–20cm long) to avoid stringiness.
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Harvest regularly to encourage more pods.
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Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen after blanching.
Pick pods young and tender (15–20cm long) to avoid stringiness.
Harvest regularly to encourage more pods.
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen after blanching.
From bright blooms to bountiful harvests — ‘Scarlet Emperor’ runner beans are a garden favourite for beauty and yield.