Käferbohnen Scarlet Runner Bean Seed

For some mysterious reason scarlet runner beans are possibly more widely consumed in Europe than in North America where they originate. While a few folks in the U.S. grow these 6- to 9-foot-long vines for their spectacular crimson flowers, only a few devotees harvest the large, gorgeously speckled scarlet beans to eat. Yet those who do know that they are a standout vegetable, consisting of about 20% protein, high levels of fiber and vitamin B, and have a firm, meaty texture and richness (almost like roasted chestnut) that excels in stews and chilis, as a falafel, in pasta e fagioli, and in salads. (This is a vegetable that pairs very well with sweet potato and squash, and smoky flavors – and the immature green beans can picked and cooked when small and tender).

In Austria, where this variety is widely grown and where it has a significant presence in local diets, it is companion planted with corn to provide a living pole for the bean plants to climb. Since the corn and bean crops have similar development rates, they are even harvested/threshed together mechanically and separated after harvest. This companion planting system works great even at a small scale in the home garden.

Note that scarlet runner beans need to be cooked before consumption. Like many legumes, uncooked beans contain the toxic compound phasein. Cooking eliminates this compound in runner beans.

The flowers of this plant are very attractive to pollinators, and while it likes full sun and warmth, it tends to produce poorly at temperatures above 90-degrees. (It’s a great mid-summer crop in cool climates). Scarlet runner beans are perennial in warm climates (with the older starchy roots that develop on perennial plants sometimes used as a food crop in Mesoamerica). In short growing seasons it’s a reliable and easy to grow annual. Start indoors in early spring for later transplanting when outdoor temperatures reach the 60s. These plants definitely want a pole or trellis to climb. 

This Käferbohnen Austrian-type variety is possibly the most beautiful seed we’ve ever laid eyes on. Each seed is like a speckled magenta jewel. 

15+ very large seeds (18-grams).