UK sowing calendar
When to sow runner beans in the UK
Runner beans sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | mid-Apr-May |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Late May-Jun |
| Harvest | Jul-Oct |
Frost-tender and need soil around 12C to germinate: sow outdoors mid-May in the south, early June in the north, or start under cover from mid-April to plant out after the last frost. Pick every 2-3 days to keep pods forming.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for runner beans.
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When to sow runner beans in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow runner beans in the UK?
Sow runner beans under cover mid-Apr-May, then outdoors late may-jun. Frost-tender and need soil around 12C to germinate: sow outdoors mid-May in the south, early June in the north, or start under cover from mid-April to plant out after the last frost. Pick every 2-3 days to keep pods forming.
Can you sow runner beans outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant runner beans outdoors late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is runner beans ready to harvest in the UK?
Runner beans is typically harvested Jul-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow runner beans?
It depends on the month and your region. Runner beans has a UK outdoor window of late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.