Golden Sunshine Runner bean foliage on a white background.

Runner Bean Seeds,
Golden Sunshine

3.76 Reviews#RB108 · 15 seeds
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Description

(Phaseolus coccineus). Pole bean. Electric chartreuse foliage sets the stage for brilliant scarlet blooms that pop like fireworks across 5- to 6-foot vines. This runner bean doesn’t just produce—it performs. Thick, 6- to 8-inch pods follow in abundance, offering excellent flavor whether eaten fresh or preserved. Best suited to mild weather, it thrives where summers stay a little gentler, rewarding growers with both visual punch and steady harvests. Color, flavor, and garden energy all in one vibrant package!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus coccineus
Days to Germinate
7–20
Days to Maturity
Days to harvest: 70–80 days
Planting Depth
1–1.5 in.
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
60°F to 75°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Golden Sunshine beans outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 55°F. In mild climates, succession planting every few weeks extends harvest. 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

  • Runner beans are more cold hardy than common beans, but they do not tolerate frost when germinating. It is best to wait until soil has reliably warmed before sowing.
  • Direct sow seeds 1-1.5 inches deep and space plants 4-8 inches apart. Alternatively, sow indoors and transplant out after all chance of frost has passed.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 60-70 F.
  • Runner beans have hypogeal germination, which means the bean germinates and cotyledons remain below ground before the stem and leaves emerge.
  • Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.

How to Grow

  • Prefers full sun.
  • Provide well-drained soil, preferably with good organic matter. Too much nitrogen, however, will prevent blooming.
  • Consistent watering, especially during bloom time, is key.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Susceptible to rust and anthracnose. These issues can be avoided by watering only the roots/base of plant and not allowing water to splash onto the leaves when watering with a hose.
  • Aphids can be controlled with neem.
  • Mexican Bean Beetle can be controlled with diatomaceous earth.

How to Save Seeds

  • Leave pods on the vine to mature and dry fully
  • Harvest when pods are leathery and brown
  • Shell seeds and discard any with mold or damage
  • Allow seeds to air dry completely
  • Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry location

FAQ

Do Golden Sunshine vines need support?

Yes. The striking 5- to 6-foot vines need sturdy vertical support, such as trellises or poles. They really crank out hefty 6- to 8-inch pods.

How are Golden Sunshine beans prepared?

The hefty 6- to 8-inch pods are so good for fresh use or preserving, and runner bean flowers are edible as well; hummingbirds cannot resist the scarlet blooms, which sit above this variety's brilliant chartreuse foliage.

My plants flower but set few pods. What helps?

Regular watering, especially during flowering, is key to preventing blossom drop and boosting pod set. Grow in well-drained soil with good organic matter, but go easy on nitrogen, as too much will prevent blooming. Like all runner beans, Golden Sunshine prefers mild weather and performs best in cooler summers.

Customer reviews

3.7 / 5 6 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Chartreuse foliage: Light yellow-green leaves contrast with darker garden plants.

  • Bright red blooms: Red to orange flowers on vines that quickly climb 6 feet.

  • Heads up: Pods come late and turn tough; pick young or grow for show.

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