Black Coat Runner Beans arranged in a circle on a white background.
Black Coat Runner Beans in a variety of stages of maturity with blooms and pods.
Black Coat Runner Bean pods with bright orange blooms and foliage on a weathered wood background.
Purple, black and pink Black Coat Runner Bean in different stages of maturity with orange blooms.
Black Coat Runner Beans with green pods, orange blooms and foliage on a white marble background.
Black Coat Runner Bean plants blooming and growing in the gardens at Baker Creek.
Black Coat Runner Beans arranged in a circle on a white background.
Black Coat Runner Beans in a variety of stages of maturity with blooms and pods.
Black Coat Runner Bean pods with bright orange blooms and foliage on a weathered wood background.
Purple, black and pink Black Coat Runner Bean in different stages of maturity with orange blooms.
Black Coat Runner Beans with green pods, orange blooms and foliage on a white marble background.
Black Coat Runner Bean plants blooming and growing in the gardens at Baker Creek.

Runner Bean Seeds,
Black Coat

421 ReviewsSKU: #RB103Min. seed count: 15
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Description

(Phaseolus coccineus) Pole bean. This bean variety is an explosion of colors and flavor, from the flaming blooms to the onyx-black beans with fabulous flavor. An ancient heirloom runner bean dating as far back as the mid-1600s, it was first recorded by German botanist Michael Titius in his Catalogues Plantarum. This rare runner bean produces masses of gorgeous blooms ranging in color from tangerine to cherry red, making this edible ornamental pole bean irresistible to hummingbirds! The pods are shorter than those of other runner beans, and the immature pods can be eaten just like common green beans. The pretty, plump beans change from pink to purple, and then to a pure ebony black. They cook down to a creamy texture and are fantastic used like a kidney bean.

Growing Tips: To ensure successful growth, plant Black Coat runner beans in full sun and provide a structure like a trellis or teepee for support. These beans prefer moderately fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. For optimal flower set, ensure the soil is slightly alkaline; adding lime can help if your soil is acidic.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus coccineus
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
75
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
8 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Black Coat runner beans prefer mild temperatures, making them a great early-summer crop in hot areas. Plant after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. In cooler, short-season regions they can be started indoors no more than 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date and then transplanted outside after hardening off, lifting them carefully without disturbing the roots. In mild, long-season regions, direct sowing in late spring is ideal. The beans require soil temperatures between 60-85 F to sprout, and germination typically occurs within 7-10 days​​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

To sow Black Coat runner beans, plant them 1 inch deep in rows 2-3 feet apart. Space plants 8 inches apart. If starting indoors, use peat or paper pots to minimize root disturbance during transplanting. Keep the seedlings well-watered and maintain consistent moisture to prevent drying out. Harden off the seedlings for at least a week before transplanting them outside​​.

How to Grow

Black Coat runner beans need regular watering and benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Fertilize with a potassium-rich fertilizer once the flowers appear to enhance fruit set and overall plant health. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they promote foliage over bean production. Encourage pollination by ensuring the presence of bees or hand-pollinating if necessary​​.

How to Save Seeds

  • This is a self-pollinating bean that can on occasion be insect pollinated. To prevent crossing between different runner bean varieties, isolate by 500 feet.
  • Allow pods to brown and dry. Beans are ready for saving when they are so hard that your fingernail cannot dent them.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
  • Runner bean vines also produce a tuber that can be dug in fall and saved over winter. This can be replanted in spring and plants will establish and bloom earlier.

FAQ

How do I support Black Coat runner beans?

Use trellises, teepees, or metal arches for support. Ensure supports are sturdy and at least 8 feet tall, as the vines can run 8 to 12 feet; an arch or a fence gives them room.

What are the common pests and diseases for Black Coat runner beans?

Watch out for slugs, snails, aphids, bean rust, and bacterial blight. Use organic methods like neem oil, copper tape, and crop rotation to manage these issues.

How and when should I harvest?

Harvest the pods when they are 6-8 inches long and tender. Regular picking encourages more pod production. For seed saving, let some pods mature fully on the plant before harvesting the seeds, and grow only one runner bean variety, since bees cross runner beans readily, unlike common beans. A gap of a few hundred feet will not keep the seed pure; separating two runner bean varieties takes about a quarter to a half mile, or mechanical isolation such as caging or bagging the blossoms.

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