When to plant runner bean in Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant runner bean shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 11 in Boston to May 17 in North Adams — below are local dates for 89 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 7a | April 4 | November 9 | April 11 – April 25 |
| Worcester | 6a | April 23 | October 21 | April 30 – May 14 |
| Springfield | 6a | May 3 | October 8 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Cambridge | 6b | April 19 | October 23 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Lowell | 6b | April 30 | October 10 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Brockton | 6b | April 22 | October 19 | April 29 – May 13 |
| Quincy | 7a | April 25 | October 22 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Lynn | 7a | April 25 | October 20 | May 2 – May 16 |
Runner Bean in Massachusetts: FAQ
When can I plant runner bean in Massachusetts?
Across Massachusetts, the time to direct-sow runner bean spans roughly April 11 in Boston to May 17 in North Adams, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the runner bean planting date vary across Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts publishes 89 cities with their own frost dates, so the right runner bean planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does runner bean take to grow in Massachusetts?
Runner Bean takes about 65–90 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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