Phaseolus Coccineus Scarlet Emperor, commonly known as Scarlet Runner Bean, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Central America and Mexico, but it is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world because of its ornamental and edible qualities.
Contents
Taxonomic Information:
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Phaseolus |
Appearance:
Scarlet Emperor is a fast-growing vine that can reach up to 10 feet in height. It has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and can grow up to 8 inches long. The flowers are bright red and grow in clusters at the end of long stems. The plant produces long pods that can reach up to 8 inches in length, and they contain edible beans that are light pink or white in color.
Care Guide:
Scarlet Emperor is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of your Scarlet Emperor:
- Water: Scarlet Emperor needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure to water the plant deeply to encourage deep root growth.
- Fertilization: Scarlet Emperor benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: Scarlet Emperor prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: Scarlet Emperor prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Scarlet Emperor can be grown in hardiness zones 2-11.
Common Pests & Diseases:
Scarlet Emperor is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can be affected by some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause leaves to curl and distort. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use a miticide to control them.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and stems. Remove infected plant parts and use a fungicide to control the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control it.
Habitat:
Scarlet Emperor is native to Central America and Mexico, and it grows in a wide range of habitats, including forests, meadows, and gardens. It prefers warm and humid climates and can be grown in hardiness zones 2-11.
Question and Answer:
Q: Is Scarlet Emperor a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Scarlet Emperor is a perennial plant that can live for several years.
Q: Can Scarlet Emperor be grown in containers?
A: Scarlet Emperor can be grown in containers, but it needs a large container and a trellis or support to climb on.
Q: Are Scarlet Runner Beans edible?
A: Yes, Scarlet Runner Beans are edible and are commonly used in cooking. They can be boiled, steamed, or sautéed.
Q: How do I propagate Scarlet Emperor?
A: Scarlet Emperor can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting, and cuttings should be taken from the plant in the spring and rooted in moist soil.
Related Plants:
- Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean)
- Vigna unguiculata (cowpea)
- Glycine max (soybean)
- Cicer arietinum (chickpea)
References:
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beans/scarlet-runner-beans.htm
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/19198/Phaseolus-coccineus/Details
- https://www.almanac.com/plant/scarlet-runner-beans
- https://www.growveg.com/plants/us-and-canada/how-to-grow-scarlet-runner-beans/
