Mine were really low maintenance. I had a full sun area & grew them with morning glories & wild clematis. Where did you get your seeds? I got my seeds from another gardener. Here is a pic of mine, I actually planted the seeds late in the season so my growth wasn't as big as it could have been. These pics are from the end of the season so there aren't as many blooms, previously I had a tremendous amount of blooms & it was a HUGE attraction for hummingbirds. Oh, yes, this is actually only 2 plants. I saved A LOT of seeds, if you'd like to do the SASE thing I'd be happy to give you some. Hope this helps, C.

I hope I'm thinking of the same plant you are talking about, we call them a 'scarlet runner bean'. : )
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Thanks for the offer teacher, but I already bought some seeds. I can't plant them yet, because I know they like heat. Last year I started them early indoors and they didn't do well until it got hot. I have seen them almost take over though and mine never got that big. Your picture looks like what I'm trying to grow, but I think scarlet runner beans are another plant. I think they have brown and black seeds. These have a black seed with white on the side where the seed attaches.

I have seeds of both this year and trying to remember if I winter sowed them last time or just sowed them in place. Anyone know what works better?
I've only grown scarlet runner bean once and it wasn't as vigorous as the other but the seeds I have this year (from a trader) are much larger than last time so I'm anxious to see how they do. I'm wondering it they're a different variety than what I had before.
Helen - What is Alexandria's? Do they have a display garden?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1106838}}

What do you think of this, from the article linked below:
"Beans are a legume which have beneficial bacteria that grow on their roots and fix nitrogen from the air into nitrates which plants need to grow. If you have not grown beans in your soil before, you may need an inoculant to introduce the proper bacteria. Most garden centers have this inoculant which is mixed with the seed before planting".

Is that necessary? Has anyone tried it?

Here is a link that might be useful: Gardening tips

Christie, I have used innoculants before, but I don't think it is necessary. What did the pioneers do? They just planted their beans and they grew. Could be the second season, the beans would grow better, but I don't think it is a critical decision.

As to starting the beans early, I would be afraid of a freeze. Beans are very susceptible to frost and won't even germinate well until the ground warms up some. You could start some inside in six-paks I guess.

Alexandria's is place that sells plants and garden ornaments. They have a wooden trellis along the highway where they grew the hyacinth beans one year. The woman who runs it with her husband is very artistic and keeps it attractive, but no display garden.