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Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris
Also known as: Common Bean, Snap Bean, String Bean, Green Bean, French Bean, Wax Bean

Bean is a vegetable in the Fabaceae family. It grows best in full sun with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-13. Plants reach harvest about 42–122 days after planting and sit about 4 inches apart.

Varieties

44 from Seeds Now, High Mowing & True Leaf Market · sorted by days to maturity
  • Contender42–58 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Contender Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the best tasting green beans, and it can tolerate the heat. An early and prolific producer, pods can grow 6"-8" long, and are slightly curved with a distinct flavor. This stringless variety is great for canning, freezing, or eating fresh from the garden. Easy to grow Stringless variety Matures quickly—50 days Heat tolerant Shop all Bean Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Beans 📚 Grow Guide: Beans

    View on Seeds Now
  • Provider42–58 days

    5-6” pods

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus; Powdery Mildew

    The standard fresh market variety for green beans. Provider comes through every year with early, heavy yields of attractive, uniform beans. Plants are vigorous and productive with strong root systems, even under adverse conditions. Good resistance to mildew and virus. Purple seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Top Notch Golden Wax45–61 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    53 days to maturity. A productive bush snap bean producing straight, round, golden-yellow wax pods about 5-6 inches long with a tender, stringless texture and mild flavor. The compact plants need no staking and bear a concentrated crop, making them well suited to garden beds, raised beds, and containers. Pods are best harvested young as snap beans for fresh eating, canning, or freezing.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Antigua47–63 days

    Suitable for mechanical harvest; 5” pods

    Resistance: HR: Anthracnose; Bean Common Mosaic Virus · IR: Halo Blight

    Impressive yields of beautiful dark green pods on widely adapted plants. The darkest green bush bean of any variety we saw in our trials. Very upright, 18” tall plants offer excellent disease resistance and form a plethora of uniform pods that are suitable for mechanical harvests. Developed for the processing industry to offer commercial yields of beans that are good for blanching. From our partners at Pure Line Seeds. White seeds. Beans Phaseolus vulgaris

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Blue Lake47–63 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    Blue Lake bush beans are a classic variety prized for their tender, stringless pods and exceptional flavor. These compact plants produce abundant yields of 5-6 inch pods perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or freezing. Known for their reliability and disease resistance, Blue Lake beans thrive in warm soil and full sun, maturing in approximately 50-60 days. They're ideal for gardeners seeking consistent harvests without the space requirements of pole varieties. Direct sow seeds after the last frost date, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in well-draining soil. A favorite among home gardeners for over 70 years. Stringless pods Easy to grow Matures quickly—55 days Medium 5"-6" pods Shop all Bean Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Beans 📚 Grow Guide: Beans

    View on Seeds Now
  • Borlotti47–63 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Borlotti Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an old Italian heirloom, also known as the Cranberry Bean. With its vibrant crimson streaks, the beautiful pods are easy to spot in the garden. Can be eaten as a green bean, or dried and used like its relative the kidney bean. Easy to grow High in fiber Matures quickly—55 days Good as a dried bean Shop all Bean Seeds Shop Good Companion Plants for Beans 📚 Grow Guide: Beans

    View on Seeds Now
  • Celine47–63 days

    Magenta color; Refined and straight; 4.75-5.5” pods

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Necrosis Virus (US1)

    Vibrant, dark to light purple wax beans with contrasting yellow interior. Tasty and juicy beans with a strikingly bright, magenta color and wonderful tenderness. These are the first purple wax beans on the market. Plants are healthy producers of uniform beans on robust, bush habit plants. Incredible as a stand-alone bean variety or mixed with other colors for specialty appeal. Brighter and more of a brilliant purple than most other purple bean varieties and tender enough to be enjoyed raw. Developed by Dr. John Hart of EarthWork Seeds. Light tan seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Compass47–63 days

    Upright plant habit; Easy harvest; 5-6" pods

    Resistance: HR: Anthracnose; Bean Common Mosaic Virus; Halo Blight

    Perfectly uniform, straight beans on upright, vigorous plants. The vertical plant growth allows for easy harvest of multitudes of perfect, uniform beans. Beans are medium to dark green with excellent texture and flavor. A standout in our trials field for yields, uniformity and harvest ease. The best filet beans our trials team has found. From Holland-Select Seed Company. White seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Dragon Langerie47–63 days

    Versatile; 6-8” flat pods

    Unique purple-streaked white pods, also known as Dragon’s Tongue. Popular for eating fresh as a snap bean with exceptional flavor and crispness – a clear winner in our taste tests. Streaks fade when cooked. Versatile variety also makes a great shelling bean or dry bean. Purple seeds. Limited availability in 2024

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Gold Rush Yellow Wax47–63 days

    Concentrated harvest; Holds well; 4-5” pods

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus; Curly Top Virus

    Early variety with concentrated maturity for a faster harvest. Lemon-yellow pods with green tips are round, straight and tender. Fine flavor and crisp texture ideal for pickling or lacto-fermenting. Pods hang in clusters around the main stem, making them easy to pick. White seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Jade47–63 days

    Heat tolerant; 6-7” pods

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus · IR: Bacterial Brown Spot; Curly Top Virus; Rust

    Gourmet-quality long, slender, stringless green beans. Commercial yields of glossy, medium green beans for fresh market sales or the garden. Large, 18-22” tall plants produce yields comparable to Provider and Strike. Pale green seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Mardi Gras Blend47–63 days

    Matures evenly; 4-6” pods

    Pre-mixed purple, yellow and green snap beans make an eye-catching custom blend. No more hand mixing after a bean harvest – our tri-color bean blend makes it easy and efficient to offer bags of colorful beans. Varieties selected for their excellent flavor and even rates of maturity. Plant successions and harvest these beautiful, festive beans all season. Includes gold, purple and green snap beans.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Red Tail47–63 days

    Vigorous bush; 5.5-6” pods

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus; Curly Top Virus · IR: Rust

    Broadly adapted, prolific plants with exceptionally high yields of attractive, flavorful beans. The highest yielding bush bean in our trials program, plants are laden with 5.5-6” pods. Dark green, shiny beans are uniform and straight making for an efficient, reliable harvest. From our partners at EarthWork Seeds. White seeds. Limited availability in 2024

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Royal Burgundy47–63 days

    Large plants; 5” pods

    Gorgeous deep purple stringless pods with green interiors. Almost-black beans make a stunning display when mixed with yellow and green beans, especially raw in salads. Beans turn green when cooked. Widely adapted, grows well in cool conditions. Displayed highest resistance to white mold in our trials. Light brown seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Strike47–63 days

    Suitable for mechanical harvest; 5-6” pods

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus

    Strike it rich with heavy harvests ideal for processing or freezing. Stringless, smooth beans are medium green in color. Strike is known for its concentrated pod set; great for canning. Widely adapted, disease-resistant variety. White seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Northeaster48–64 days

    Very early; 7-8” flattened pods

    Romano bean with buttery flavor and hearty texture. Northeaster is consistently one of the earliest pole beans in our trials and is well-suited to short seasons. Flattened, pale green pods on tall, vigorous vines. Quick to harvest, as beans are easy to distinguish from the foliage. Re-discovered by Rob Johnston of Johnny’s Selected Seeds. White seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Blue Lake 27450–65 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    Resistance: HR: BCMV · IR: NY15

    50-65 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. Blue Lake 247 Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom snap bush bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Blue Lake 274 is the classic bean that comes to mind when you think of a green bean. It has been known in the canning industry for years because of its reliability, huge yields, disease resistance, and ability to bear all at once, making canning a much easier task. Blue Lake produces plump, tender, dark green pods that are about 5.5 inches long. The bush itself only grows about 16 inches, saving space in your garden but producing big, juicy yields. This is THE green bean for canning or freezing. Bush Blue Lake bean resists BCMV; tolerates NY15. ~87 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Forrester50–68 days

    Kentucky Wonder-type; Vigorous bush; 5.5-6” pods

    Resistance: IR: Rust; Halo Blight

    Flat, medium green pods on 21” productive, bush-habit plants. Plants produce plentiful harvests of flat pods with rounded edges that are tender and smooth. Fruit set occurs high, making for easy harvesting. This flat bean is known as a Kentucky Wonder-type, which originally came out as a pole bean and was later developed into a bush bean. The pod is not as wide as the Roma II, but it is thicker and juicier. White seeds. From our partners at Pure Line Seeds. Forrester Maxibel Haricot Vert Compass Dragon Langerie

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

    View on High Mowing
  • Harvester50–55 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Harvester Bush Bean grows high off the ground for easy picking. It has excellent flavor from pods that can grow up to 6" long. And you can be enjoying the juicy crunchiness in only 55 days. What’s not to like about this easy string bean? Easy to grow High yielding Easy to harvest Long, flavorful pods

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 4" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 50-55 days|Good companion plants: Cucumber, Pea, Rosemary, Thyme, Tomato|Shop more:

    View on Seeds Now
  • Kentucky Blue50–75 days

    Heirloom; AAS Winner; Vegetable; Annual

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus (Race 1); Rust

    50-75 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. Kentucky Blue Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, high-yielding, AAS Winner, drought and heat tolerant, high-yielding, pole, snap string bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (race 1) and Rust. Kentucky Blue Pole Beans are a remarkable variety that combines the best traits of the classic 'Kentucky Wonder' and 'Blue Lake' pole beans. This hybridization results in a bean that is not only high-yielding but also offers exceptional flavor and tenderness. Yet, the plants are open-pollinated! The vines can reach impressive heights of 6 to 8 feet, requiring sturdy support structures like trellises or poles. The beans are long, slender, and deep green, typically reaching 6 to 7 inches. They are stringless and have a sweet, tender flavor, perfect for fresh eating, canning, or freezing. ~89 seeds/oz.

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  • Landreth50–55 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Landreth Bush Bean is a classic green bean—lovely medium color, tender 5"-6" stringless pods, and excellent flavor. It’s also an heirloom that has been growing in gardens since the late 1800s. A reliable and heavy producer, this bean is more heat tolerant than other varieties. Tends to grow tall and wide, so give it a little more garden space. Easy to grow High yields Heat tolerant Stringless variety

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 4"-6" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 2-4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 50-55 days

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  • Qing Bian50–55 days

    Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual

    50-55 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. Qing Bian Pole Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, drought tolerant, pole, snap, romano, Asian bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Qing Bian is a container-friendly, early-maturing Romano bean type with a bountiful harvest. The pods are flat, long, and grow 10-12 inches long and 1-inch wide with a nice bright green color. Suitable for many locations, the vigorous plants have stringless and tender beans. These heirloom seeds can be dated back to the 1800s and have been perpetuated today because of their flavorful pods. Qing Bian’s unique flavor, resilience, and high yield make it desirable for gardeners who appreciate Asian specialty vegetables. ~59 seeds/oz.

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  • Slenderette50–55 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Slenderette Bush Bean is a sleek French-type green bean. A vigorous grower that produces high yields of slim 5" long stringless pods on a compact plant. This sweet, juicy, tender, crunchy bean would taste great in a European thin/thick bean salad served alongside wider Roma II Italian beans. Easy to grow Stringless variety Sweet, juicy, tender, and crunchy High yields

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 4" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 50-55 days

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  • Tendergreen50–55 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Tendergreen Bush Bean is a heavy yielder and heat-tolerant, producing longer than other beans. It grows long 6"-7" stringless pods, but pick them at 5" for best flavor and tenderness. Be sure to shell one of the pods to see the purple-brown beans inside. Easy to grow High yields Heat tolerant Stringless variety

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 4" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 50-55 days

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  • Top Crop50–55 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Top Crop Bush Bean lives up to its name. This All-American Selections (AAS) winner produces high yields high up on a tall plant for easy harvesting. The 6"-7" pods are smooth, round, straight, and stringless, and they mature early in about 50 days. Also add heat tolerant to the list. Easy to grow Easy to harvest Heat tolerant Matures early—50 days

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 4" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 50-55 days

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  • Seychelles51–69 days

    AAS winner; Stringless; 5-6” pods

    Resistance: IR: Anthracnose; Bean Common Mosaic Virus

    A prolific producer of perfect-quality, stringless pods with an archipelago of tender, small seeds inside each. Seychelles is an All-America Selections winner with plenty to offer pole bean-lovers: vigorous plants produce dark green, round pods that drop in clusters of six on a loose hanging truss for an easy and continuous harvest. Great flavor and all-around high performance won our hearts. Vines will reach 5’ tall and require initial training to climb a trellis. From our partners at Pure Line Seeds. White seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Blue Coco55–75 days

    Tolerant of heat, cold and drought; 6-7” pods

    Vigorous, high-yielding dark purple snap beans. Beautiful plants with violet flowers and dark green leaves with contrasting purple undersides and stems. Plants are well adapted and produce an abundance of sweet, tender beans in a variety of conditions. French heirloom dating back to the 18th century. Brown seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Blue Lake FM1K55–75 days

    Heirloom / Open Pollinated; Vegetable; Annual; Non-GMO

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus (Race 1, 15)

    65 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris . Blue Lake Pole FM1K Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, high-yielding, drought-tolerant, pole, snap bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (race 1, 15). Blue Lake FM1K is known for its high yield and for producing tender, flavorful green pods that are perfect for fresh eating, canning, or freezing. The plants are vigorous climbers and grow well on trellises, maximizing vertical space in the garden. If you love Kentucky Wonder Bush Beans and want an equally high-yielding pole version, Blue Lake is the way to go! The oval pods produced are crisp and tender, growing up to 6" long. They grow quickly and are easy to grow, making them an excellent addition to the home garden. ~110 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Kentucky Wonder55–75 days

    Snap or dry bean; 7-9” pods

    Unbeatable productivity, consistency and flavor. Introduced in Kentucky just prior to the Civil War, this classic variety has proven its excellence over many generations. Pods are stringless, solid and meaty with great flavor. Use fresh for snap beans or dry on vines for an excellent soup bean. Brown seeds. Unavailable in 2024

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Maxibel Haricot Vert55–75 days

    Large plants; Tender 6-8” pods

    Resistance: HR: Anthracnose; Bean Common Mosaic Virus

    Impeccable French filet bean for gourmet markets. Known for its long, slender, medium green pods with a delicate tender texture. Heavy producer of 6-8” beans on good-sized plants. Maxibel will keep you loaded with fresh beans; pick frequently for optimal tenderness and yields. Some plants have runners. Speckled brown seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Rattlesnake55–75 days

    8” long pods

    Exceptional heirloom flavor fresh, shelled or dry. Picked fresh, beans are flattened and dark green with unusual purple streaks that fade when cooked. Shelled beans are beige, with rattlesnake streaks when fully dry. Signature addition for roadside stands and farmers markets. Streaked seeds.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Tongue of Fire55–90 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    Not only does the Tongue of Fire Bush Bean have one of the best names for a vegetable, this Italian heirloom bean produces beautiful, flavorful wide cranberry streaked pods. Originally collected in Tierra del Fuego on the tip of South America, it produces 6"-7" long pods on a compact plant. Eat it young as a green bean, shell it when it matures, or let it dry and cook the large beans as you would kidney beans. Easy to grow High yielding Beautiful and delicious 6"-7" long pods

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 4" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 55-90 days

    View on Seeds Now
  • Roma II58–65 days

    The Roma II Bush Bean is an Italian snap bean with flat stringless pods. A tender, meaty bean that retains its fresh flavor when cooked or canned, and is hearty enough to throw on the grill. This high yielder grows tall, making it easy to harvest lots of wide 5"-6" pods. Easy to grow Tender and flavorful Stringless variety High yields

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1.25" deep|Spacing between plants: 5-6" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-10 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 58-65 days

    View on Seeds Now
  • Taylor Dwarf60–75 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    Taylor Dwarf is a compact bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown for shell beans with creamy seeds marked in burgundy. Direct-sow after the soil has warmed and frost danger has passed. Bush plants need full sun, even moisture during flowering and pod set, and no trellis.

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  • Golden Wax65–75 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Golden Wax Bush Bean is a beautiful buttery treat in the garden. With its long, straight yellow pods, this heavy producing stringless bean is easy to cook or can. Grow these alongside Borlotti Bush Beans and Royal Burgundy Bush Beans for an artistic change from the usual green beans. Easy to grow Stringless variety Produces long 5"-7" pods Buttery wax bean flavor

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 4"-6" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 10-14 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 65-75 days|Good companion plants: Cucumber, Pea, Rosemary, Thyme, Tomato|Shop more:

    View on Seeds Now
  • Romano65–80 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Romano Pole Bean is a traditional Italian heirloom bean enjoyed by generations of gardeners. The vining plant produces high yields of flat, wide, stringless 6" pods that taste best when harvested young. Just a great all-around green bean. Easy to grow Stringless variety Harvest young for best flavor Vining plant requires staking

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 5" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 8-14 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer, fall|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 65-80 days

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  • Purple Podded70–75 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Purple Podded Pole Bean produces a profuse plurality of purely purple pods. View this variety vegetate vigorous verdant vines with violet developments. Stringless shells surround savory seeds. Easy to grow High yielding Long pods up to 7" Easy to harvest

    Growing notes: Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris|Depth to plant seeds: 1" deep|Spacing between plants: 5" apart|Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 8-14 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-85F|Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost hardy: No|Planting season: Spring, summer|# of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft|Days to maturity: 70-75 days

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  • Light Red Kidney72–98 days

    Widely adapted; Bush habit

    Exceptional culinary quality with silky texture and thin skin. Mild flavor and drier texture excellent for chili, bean salads, baked and in soups. Medium-sized plants are sturdy and widely adapted, producing well even in cool, wet climates like the Northeast.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Calypso76–104 days

    Bush habit

    Widely adapted, delicious bean for baking and soups. Dependable and early yields of 4–5 beans per pod on sturdy plants. Also known as Orca or Yin Yang for its distinctive black and white pattern that is retained in cooking. Mild flavor and creamy, rich texture. Beans double in size when cooked.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Eclipse76–104 days

    White mold tolerant; High yielding; Bush habit

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus · IR: Anthracnose; Rust

    Eclipses other black beans. An earlier and higher yielding version of the Black Turtle bean we all love. Eclipse has impressed nearly everyone by having all the flavor and color of the traditional Black Turtle but returning many more pounds of beans and maturing nearly a week earlier. Eclipse also resists rust, anthracnose, BCMV and shows tolerance to white mold. Upright plants are highly uniform, don’t lodge and do a synchronous dry down. Released in 2004 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. A portion of the sales of this variety is paid to the breeder.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Jacob’s Cattle76–104 days

    Excellent cooking bean; Bush habit

    Incredible red and white speckled heirloom. Full-flavored bean that holds its shape under long cooking and possesses a rich aroma. Legend has it that it was a gift from Maine’s Passamaquoddy Native Americans to Joseph Clark, the first non-native born in Lubec, Maine.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Silver Cloud Cannellini81–109 days

    Bush habit; Rust tolerant

    Resistance: HR: Curly Top Virus · IR: Bean Common Mosaic Virus

    Improved white bean with excellent culinary qualities. Shelling and cooking beans prized for their smooth, meaty texture and dense, nutty flavor. Ideal for minestrone; also known as fagioli or white kidney. Bred by Washington State University for higher yields, greater disease resistance and more upright habit than the famous heirloom.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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  • Pinto90–95 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    90-95 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. Pinto Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, bush, shelling bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Pinto Beans are most notably used in Mexican Cuisine. These hard, brown-speckled beans make for great chili and refried beans. They are easy to grow and satisfy the belly. The pinto bean is most prominent in Mexican cuisine and is often used for refried beans. They can tolerate being dried out while growing, making them an easy bean to grow. Pinto beans have a shelf life of five years and are a great option for those who enjoy edible gardening. ~75 seeds/oz.

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  • Quincy Pinto90–122 days

    Large, semi-bush plants

    Resistance: HR: Bean Common Mosaic Necrosis Virus; Bean Common Mosaic Virus · IR: Curly Top Virus

    Very high yielding pinto ideal for slow-cooking and canning. Large, medium- to late- maturing beans with delicious, creamy flavor. The first pinto variety with genetic resistance to BCMV and CTV, bred in collaboration with Washington State University. Susceptible to Rust. Blue Coco Eclipse BEANS Silver Cloud Cannellini Quincy Pinto Jacob’s Cattle Calypso Kentucky Wonder Northeaster Seychelles Light Red Kidney Rattlesnake

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding. Beans are tender annuals that prefer full sun, average fertility and well-drained soils. Bush varieties do not require support, but pole varieties will require varying amounts. Direct seed after all danger of frost has passed. Inoculant may be used to increase yields. See page 3 for our available inoculants. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-95°F. Beans are particularly sensitive to cool soils and may rot at soil temperatures below 55°F. Germination is apparent within 7-10 days. Snap beans can be sown through the summer every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest all season. Store unwashed snap beans at 40°F and 90% humidity for 7-10 days; can or freeze for long term storage. Dry beans should be harvested when pods are at least 70% brown and threshed when pods are dry enough to break easily. Dry the threshed beans to approximately 10-15% moisture before storage or allow to continue drying in breathable bags.

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Family
Fabaceae
Category
Vegetable
Form
Bush
Lifecycle
annual
Zone
2-13
Height
1–12 ft
Spread
0.3333333333333333–1 ft
Sun
Full sun

Plant spacing

9 plants per square footSquare-foot planting diagram: a 1-foot square divided into a 3-by-3 grid holding 9 bean plants spaced 4 inches apart.
9 plants per square foot

In a square-foot bed, space bean about 4 in apart — that fits 9 plants in each 1-foot square (3×3). Wider rows or containers space the same.

Water
Medium

Plan your bean planting

Add bean to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.

Start your free plan →

At a glance

Days to harvest
42–122 days
From transplant or sow to first harvest
Harvest style
Keep picking
Crops over several weeks
After harvest
Use right away
Quality drops fast past peak
Frost tolerance
Tender · to ~32°F
Lowest temperature the foliage usually survives
Germination
~70%
Typical minimum germination rate

Storing & preserving

Best used right away — quality drops fast. Refrigerate fresh pods and use within a few days.

  • Freeze: Blanch briefly, cool, then freeze — keeps color and texture.
  • Dry: Let shell types dry fully on the plant, then store as dried beans.

General home-preservation guidance — for tested processing times and safety, follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Growing timeline

When to plant and harvest beanPlanting timeline for bean, relative to last frost: grow from 1 week after last frost to 7 weeks after last frost; harvest from 7 weeks after last frost to 18 weeks after last frost.GrowHarvestLast frostDirect sow
Direct-sow bean 1 week after last frost; first harvest 7 weeks after last frost.
Outdoor planting
7 to 14 days vs frost
Propagation
Seed
Schedule anchor
Last Frost

Companion planting — with cited sources

From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.

Pairs well with (21)

  • CornEvidence tier A: Peer-reviewed studies in US/Canada production conditions with a clear mechanismn-fixation, structural-support

    Climbing common bean is the bean component of the classic Three Sisters polyculture. It nodulates with Rhizobium tropici and R. leguminosarum, fixes atmospheric N, and uses corn stalks for vertical support. Most of the fixed N becomes available to companion crops only after bean residue decomposition, so corn typically still needs supplemental fertility in the first season. Documented across Cornell, Iowa State, West Virginia, and University of Arkansas extension publications.

    Timing: Direct seed pole bean 2-3 weeks after corn reaches 6-12 inches.

    Source: S1, S8

  • Black WalnutEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsjuglone-tolerant

    Snap bean and lima bean are juglone-tolerant; listed in extension tables as 'safe under walnut'.

    Source: Penn State Extension, S8

  • Common EggplantEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsn-fixation, pest-deter

    Eggplant interplanted with bush bean is a long-standing extension recommendation. Beans contribute residual N and several studies have reported reduced Colorado potato beetle pressure on eggplant in bean polycultures, likely through visual/chemical disruption of host-finding behavior.

    Source: S1, University of Maryland Extension

  • Common PotatoEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsn-fixation, pest-deter

    Bush bean interplanted with potato is a long-standing recommendation in Cornell, Penn State, and UMass extension. Bean contributes residual N from nodule turnover and several trials have reported reduced Colorado potato beetle pressure in potato-bean polycultures, attributed to visual and olfactory disruption of host-finding.

    Source: S1, Penn State Extension, UMass Center for Agriculture

  • Crookneck PumpkinEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsn-fixation

    Pole bean nodulation contributes nitrogen via Rhizobium, primarily benefiting subsequent crops after residue breakdown. Same-season N benefit in Three Sisters is modest; supplemental side-dressing of corn is recommended.

    Source: S1, S8

  • CushawEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsn-fixation

    Climbing bean contributes nitrogen to the Three Sisters system; most of the fixed N becomes available to corn and squash only after bean residue decomposition, so the same-season benefit to squash is modest but the rotational benefit is well documented.

    Source: S1, S8

  • French MarigoldEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionspest-deter

    Tagetes patula suppresses Meloidogyne nematodes through alpha-terthienyl in roots. Phaseolus vulgaris is moderately susceptible to root-knot nematode, especially in sandy soils.

    Timing: Prior-season marigold cover is more effective than concurrent interplant.

    Region: Most useful in zones 7+ with established Meloidogyne populations.

    Source: UC IPM

  • Summer SquashEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsn-fixation, weed-suppression

    Bush bean interplantings with summer squash form a workable two-species polyculture: bean fixes N and squash provides living mulch. Documented in Cornell, MSU, and Penn State home-garden guides.

    Source: S1, S5, Penn State Extension

  • Sweet PotatoEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsn-fixation, weed-suppression

    Bush beans interplanted between sweet potato hills supply biological N and are harvested before the sweet potato vines fully cover the bed. Documented in NC State and UGA sweet potato extension publications.

    Timing: Plant bush beans 2-3 weeks before sweet potato slips so the bean harvest finishes as sweet potato vines close the canopy.

    Region: Southeast US.

    Source: S11, NC State Extension

  • Winter SquashEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsn-fixation

    Pole bean fixes nitrogen via Rhizobium symbiosis; benefit to corn and squash is mostly post-season via residue breakdown, but the bean canopy contributes to weed suppression in the early Three Sisters season.

    Source: S1, S8

  • Common CabbageEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationn-fixation

    Beans provide modest in-place nitrogen contribution useful for heavy-feeding brassicas; extension home-garden guides recommend bush bean as a brassica neighbor for this reason. Effect on actual yield is modest in a single season.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

  • Common CucumberEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationn-fixation

    Bush bean and cucumber polycultures are reported as workable in extension home-garden guides; bean provides modest in-season N and ground cover. Effect size is small.

    Source: S7, University of Maryland Extension

  • Common RosemaryEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter

    Rosemary is sometimes recommended to deter Mexican bean beetle; field replication is limited but the practice appears in regional extension home-garden guides.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

  • Common TomatoEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationn-fixation

    Bush bean interplanting between tomato plants contributes modest residual N from nodule turnover and post-season residue. Effect on same-season tomato yield is small; primarily helps the following crop.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

  • EpazoteEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter, flavor-folklore

    Traditional Mesoamerican bean companion — epazote's ascaridole-rich oils are claimed to deter weevils and to reduce flatulence-causing oligosaccharides during cooking. Pest-deterrent evidence in the field is limited; the pairing is more cultural than empirical.

    Timing: Manage flowering to limit reseeding.

    Region: Tropical to warm-temperate; self-sows aggressively in zones 7+.

    Source: S11

  • MuskmelonEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationn-fixation

    Bush bean intercrop contributes modest residual N and ground cover during melon establishment. Documented in several extension home-garden guides as a workable polyculture, with the caveat that beans must not over-shade young melon vines.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

  • StrawberryEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationn-fixation

    Bush beans are listed as a strawberry companion in extension home-garden guides; the plausible mechanism is modest nitrogen contribution from the legume rhizobia and minimal root competition because beans are short-season and shallow-rooted.

    Source: S1

  • Summer SavoryEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter, flavor-folklore

    Summer savory is the traditional 'bean herb' of European and North American kitchen gardens; carvacrol-rich oils plausibly deter bean beetles, and the herb is harvested at the same time as snap beans. Folklore claims of flavor improvement are not empirically demonstrated.

    Timing: Direct-seed alongside bush beans at last frost.

    Source: Penn State Extension, University of Maryland Extension

  • Sweet Bell PepperEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationn-fixation

    Bush beans interplanted around peppers contribute modest residual nitrogen as nodules and residues break down, and the relatively short bean canopy does not over-shade pepper. Benefit is primarily realized later in the season or to the following crop.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

  • Wax GourdEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationn-fixation

    As a vining cucurbit, wax gourd benefits from the modest nitrogen contribution of an adjacent legume during the season, by analogy with documented bean-squash intercrops. Direct extension evidence specific to Benincasa is limited; the recommendation follows general cucurbit-legume intercropping practice.

    Region: Most grown in warmer US zones and Asian specialty production.

    Source: S1

  • Winter SavoryEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter

    Winter savory shares carvacrol/thymol-rich volatiles with summer savory; perennial habit makes it a useful bed-edge companion to pole beans. Same evidence tier as summer savory.

    Region: Hardy zones 5-9.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

Avoid planting near (10)

  • Adzuki BeanEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host

    Adzuki and common bean share root rot pathogens (Fusarium, Rhizoctonia) and bean common mosaic virus strains. Avoid sequential same-bed planting.

    Source: University of Guelph / OMAFRA

  • ChickpeaEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host

    Successive legume cropping (chickpea followed by dry bean or vice versa) builds populations of shared root rot pathogens (Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Aphanomyces) and is discouraged in extension rotation guidance.

    Timing: Minimum 3 years between legume crops in the same bed.

    Source: S22

  • Common SunflowerEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsallelopathy-negative

    Helianthus annuus produces allelopathic terpenes (chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids, sesquiterpene lactones) released by roots and decomposing residues that inhibit germination and growth of bean, potato, and several small-seeded vegetables. Documented in peer-reviewed allelopathy literature and Northern Plains extension trials.

    Timing: Avoid direct seeding small-seeded crops within 1 m of sunflower row, and into ground freshly cleared of sunflower residue.

    Source: S22, Putnam, 1988

  • CowpeaEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host

    Cowpea and common bean share several mosaic viruses and root rot pathogens. Minimum 3-year gap between cowpea and Phaseolus crops in the same bed.

    Source: S11

  • Jerusalem ArtichokeEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsallelopathy-negative, nutrient-competition

    Helianthus tuberosus is highly competitive, spreads aggressively from tubers, and shares the allelopathic terpene chemistry of H. annuus. Extension sources recommend a dedicated bed or barrier away from annual vegetables.

    Source: S7, S8

  • LentilEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host

    Successive grain-legume cropping (lentil following bean or chickpea) builds up Aphanomyces, Fusarium and Sclerotinia inoculum. Extension recommends ≥3 years between pulse crops.

    Source: S22, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

  • Mung BeanEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host

    Shares root rot complex and bean common mosaic virus strains with common bean; minimum 3-year gap between Vigna and Phaseolus pulses in same field.

    Source: S22

  • Soy BeanEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host

    Common bean and soybean share Sclerotinia (white mold), Fusarium and Rhizoctonia root rots, and several mosaic viruses. Extension rotation guidance advises ≥3 year gaps between Phaseolus and Glycine in the same field.

    Source: S8, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

  • Common AmaranthEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationnutrient-competition

    Amaranthus species are aggressive C4 nutrient scavengers and several (A. retroflexus, A. palmeri) are listed as economically damaging weeds in soybean. Cultivated grain amaranth can self-sow and become weedy near low legumes.

    Source: Penn State Extension, S8

  • Sweet FennelEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationallelopathy-negative

    Fennel exudates suppress bean germination and early growth in documented assays. Extension recommendation: keep fennel in an isolated bed.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

Trap crops for this plant (2)

Sources cited

S1
Cornell University Cooperative Extension — vegetable production guides
S11
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
S12
NC State Extension
S15
UMass Center for Agriculture (UMass Extension)
S22
University of Saskatchewan / Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
S23
University of Guelph / OMAFRA (Ontario)
S25
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
S3
UC IPM (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources)
S33
Putnam, 1988 — cereal rye allelopathy review
S5
Michigan State University Extension
S6
Penn State Extension
S7
University of Minnesota Extension
S8
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
S9
University of Maryland Extension — Home & Garden Info Center

Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations

When to feed, prune & water

Attract beneficial insects and protect pollinators

Protection
  • Routine carePlant insectary flowers and tolerate light pestsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Grow a diversity of flowering plants (including small-flowered umbels and asters) to feed predators and parasitoids, and tolerate low pest numbers so natural enemies have prey to stick around.

    Source: UC IPM; UMN Extension

  • Routine careNever spray open bloomsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid insecticides on flowering plants and apply any needed sprays in the evening when pollinators aren't active, and favor selective products over broad-spectrum ones to spare bees and beneficials.

    Source: UC IPM

Care for legumes (skip the nitrogen)

Feeding
  • Routine careWater at flowering/podding; don't over-feed nitrogen· every 4 days · ~5 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Beans fix their own nitrogen, so extra nitrogen grows leaves not pods. Focus on steady water once they flower and start setting pods.

    Source: UMN Extension

Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture

Mulch
  • Routine careApply organic mulch around plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Spread a few inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around established plants (keeping it off stems) to hold soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature; wait until soil has warmed for heat-loving crops.

    Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

Plan crop rotation

Rotation
  • Routine careRotate plant families between bedsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid planting the same family in the same bed in consecutive years (aim for a 3+ year gap), grouping crops by family so soilborne diseases and pests that build up don't carry over to the next susceptible crop.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

  • Routine careSequence for soil healthmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Follow heavy feeders like tomatoes and brassicas with legumes or a cover crop to support soil fertility and structure, and keep simple notes each year so you can track where each family grew.

    Source: UMN Extension

Protect the garden from deer

Protection
  • Routine careFence the gardenstrong evidence — extension confidence

    A fence about 8 feet tall and tight to the ground is the most reliable barrier; an outward-angled or double fence, or monofilament line strung at 30 to 36 inches, can also deter deer on smaller beds.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell CCE

  • Routine careRotate repellents as a supplement· every 2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Where fencing isn't feasible, apply odor/taste repellents and alternate formulations, reapplying every couple of weeks and after rain; combining repellents with fencing works best.

    Source: UMN Extension; PennState Extension

Protect the garden from rabbits and voles

Protection
  • Routine careFence out rabbitsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Surround beds with 1-inch mesh chicken wire at least 2 feet tall with the bottom buried or staked down a few inches so rabbits can't push under it.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell CCE

  • Routine careReduce vole habitat and guard stemsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Keep grass and mulch pulled back from plant bases and crowns to remove vole cover, mow surrounding vegetation, and use hardware-cloth guards around vulnerable woody stems before winter.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell CCE

Water deeply at fruiting

Watering
  • Routine careProvide steady deep watering during fruiting· every 3 daysstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Once plants begin flowering and setting fruit, supply about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week in deep soakings rather than light sprinkles, ideally at the base; even moisture reduces cracking, blossom-end rot, and bitter or misshapen fruit.

    Source: UMN Extension: Tomato disorders; UMN Extension: Growing tomatoes

Clean up debris and sanitize at season end

Sanitation

Unusual this time of year.

  • Routine careRemove spent plants and fallen debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Pull and clear old plants, dropped fruit, and leaf litter at season end, since many pests and diseases overwinter in this debris; dispose of diseased material rather than composting it.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

  • Routine careClean tools, stakes, and cagesmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Wash and sanitize stakes, cages, and tools that touched diseased plants before storing or reusing them to avoid carrying pathogens into next season.

    Source: Cornell; UMN Extension

Succession-sow quick crops

Care

Unusual this time of year.

Trellis vining crops

Support

Unusual this time of year.

Something looks wrong?

Describe what you see on your beanand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.

Anthracnose (Beans)

Diseasesevere

Symptoms: dark sunken lesions on pods with reddish-brown borders; pink spore ooze in pod lesions; dark angular lesions along leaf veins on undersides; sunken streaks on stems and petioles

  • CulturalUse certified clean seed and rotatestrong evidence — extension confidence

    Plant certified anthracnose-free seed and rotate at least 2 years away from beans, since the fungus is seedborne and survives in debris; do not save seed from infected plants.

    Source: Cornell; UConn IPM

  • CulturalAvoid working wet plants and remove debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Stay out of the bean patch when foliage is wet and remove or bury crop debris after harvest, since spores spread by water and on hands and tools.

    Source: UConn IPM; Cornell

  • ChemicalApply protectant fungicide in cool wet seasons· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    In cool, wet conditions that favor disease, apply a protectant fungicide preventively per the label.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: Cornell

Phytophthora blight (root and crown rot)

Diseasesevere

Symptoms: sudden wilting and collapse of peppers or squash; dark water-soaked lesions at the crown or stem base; white cottony growth on infected fruit; root and crown rot; vine and fruit rot after heavy rain or in wet low spots

  • CulturalRemove affected plants at first sign (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence

    Infected plants can't be saved; promptly pull and destroy them at the start of an outbreak to slow spread, and avoid working in beds when wet.

    Source: Cornell Vegetables; UMN Extension

  • CulturalImprove drainage and avoid waterloggingstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Plant on raised beds, never let beds stay saturated, and water with drip rather than flooding, since this water mold thrives in standing water and saturated soil.

    Source: Cornell Vegetables; UMN Extension

  • CulturalRotate and choose tolerant varietiesmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Rotate out of peppers, cucurbits, and tomatoes for at least three years where the disease has occurred, and select tolerant or resistant varieties when available.

    Source: Cornell Vegetables

Root Rot Complex (Beans/Peas)

Diseasesevere

Symptoms: poor patchy stands and damping-off; reddish-brown to black rotted roots; pinched, discolored stem near soil line (wirestem); yellowing, stunted, wilting plants in wet or compacted soil

  • CulturalPlant into warm, well-drained soil and avoid compactionstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Plant in warm, well-drained soil, relieve compaction, and avoid overwatering, since Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Aphanomyces all thrive in cool, wet, compacted conditions. Once roots rot there is no cure.

    Source: NDSU Extension; CSU Extension

  • CulturalUse long rotationsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Rotate several years away from beans and peas (longer where Aphanomyces is present, since its spores persist 10+ years) and avoid fields with a root-rot history.

    Source: NDSU Extension

  • ChemicalUse fungicide seed treatmentmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Plant fungicide-treated seed, which is effective against Pythium and Rhizoctonia at establishment, per the label; note seed treatments do not control Aphanomyces.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: NDSU Extension; CSU Extension

Root-knot nematodes

Nematodesevere

Symptoms: galls or knots along roots; stunted plants; yellowing and midday wilting that recovers at night; poor vigor despite good care; patchy poor growth in beds

  • CulturalConfirm with a soil test, then rotate (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence

    Root-knot nematodes can't be eradicated from garden soil, so confirm via a county Extension nematode assay and rotate beds to non-hosts or resistant varieties (look for VFN-type resistance in tomato).

    Source: Clemson HGIC; UF/IFAS

  • CulturalPlant suppressive cover/rotation cropsmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    A solid planting of French marigolds grown 2+ months and turned under, or cover crops such as sorghum-sudangrass or cowpea, can lower populations between susceptible crops.

    Source: UF/IFAS; Clemson HGIC

  • CulturalSanitation and organic mattermoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid moving infested soil on tools or transplants, build soil organic matter to support beneficial organisms, and keep plants well watered to help them tolerate root damage.

    Source: UC IPM; Clemson HGIC

Southern blight

Diseasesevere

Symptoms: sudden wilting in hot weather; yellowing then collapse of whole plant; white fan-like mold mat at the stem base and soil; tan-brown mustard-seed-sized sclerotia near soil line; girdled rotted lower stem

  • CulturalRemove infected plants and surrounding soil (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence

    Once a plant collapses it can't be cured; dig out the plant plus the top few inches of nearby soil containing sclerotia and dispose of it, avoiding spread on tools.

    Source: Clemson Land-Grant Press; UC IPM

  • CulturalBury residue and rotatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Deep-turn soil to bury sclerotia, remove crop debris at season end, and rotate susceptible solanaceous and legume crops with grasses for several seasons.

    Source: Clemson Land-Grant Press

  • CulturalAdjust soil pH and plant earlymoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Maintain soil pH at the level recommended for the crop, since the disease is worse in low-pH soils, and time plantings so harvest begins before peak summer heat favors the fungus.

    Source: Clemson Land-Grant Press

White mold (Sclerotinia stem rot)

Diseasesevere

Symptoms: water-soaked stem or branch lesions; fluffy white cottony mold on stems and pods; sudden wilting of part of a plant; hard black sclerotia inside or on stems; collapse during cool wet bloom periods

  • CulturalRemove infected plants (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence

    There's no cure for an infected plant; cut out and bag affected plants including the black sclerotia, and don't compost them, since sclerotia survive years in soil.

    Source: UMN Extension; UC IPM

  • CulturalOpen the canopy and rotatestrong evidence — extension confidence

    Space plants widely, control weeds, orient rows to prevailing wind, and avoid overhead watering at bloom to dry the canopy; rotate to non-host crops (corn or other grasses) for several years.

    Source: UMN Extension; UC IPM

  • CulturalWater at the base, not overheadmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Use drip or soaker irrigation to keep foliage and the soil surface drier, which discourages the sclerotia germination and mycelial growth that drive white mold.

    Source: UC IPM

Bean bacterial blight

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: water-soaked spots that brown with yellow margins; halo blight shows pale-green halos around spots; large dead blotches on leaves; spots and oozing on pods; spreads in wet weather

Bean Common Mosaic (Virus)

Virusmoderate

Symptoms: light-and-dark green mosaic mottling on leaves; puckered, downward-curled, narrowed leaves; stunted plants; reduced pod set and malformed pods

  • CulturalPlant certified resistant seedstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Plant certified virus-free seed of resistant varieties, the most effective control, since the virus is highly seed-transmitted and there is no cure for infected plants.

    Source: USU Extension; UC IPM

  • CulturalRogue infected plantsmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Remove and destroy symptomatic plants promptly to reduce a source for aphid spread; note that spraying aphids rarely prevents this virus.

    Source: UC IPM; WSU Hortsense

Bean rust

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: small rusty-brown raised pustules on leaf undersides; yellow halos around spots; leaves yellow and drop; worse in warm humid weather late season

Blister beetles

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: swarms of elongated soft-bodied beetles; rapid defoliation of leaves and flowers; gray, black, or striped beetles clustered on plants; skeletonized foliage on tomatoes and beans

  • CulturalHand-pick wearing gloves· every 2 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Wear gloves (these beetles release a blistering fluid) and knock beetles into soapy water, or use row cover ahead of swarms; their larvae eat grasshopper eggs, so tolerate light feeding when you can.

    Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

  • OrganicSpot-treat heavy swarms· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If a large swarm threatens a planting, a pyrethrin or other labeled insecticide can knock them back per the label; avoid spraying open blooms to protect pollinators.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: Missouri Botanical Garden

Botrytis gray mold

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: fuzzy gray-brown mold on leaves, stems, flowers, or fruit; soft watery rot on fruit and blossoms; dieback from cut or wounded stems; mold spreading in cool humid still conditions; blighted flowers that fail to set

  • CulturalRemove infected tissue and old blossomsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Prune out moldy leaves, stems, and fruit and clear fallen blossoms and debris where the fungus gets started, disposing of them rather than composting.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

  • CulturalImprove airflow and reduce leaf wetnessstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Space and stake plants for good air movement, water at the base in the morning, and harvest ripe fruit promptly so botrytis has fewer cool, humid, wet surfaces to colonize.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

Herbicide drift damage (growth-regulator)

Disordermoderate

Symptoms: cupped, curled, or strap-like distorted new leaves; twisted stems and petioles; parallel veins on narrowed young leaves; stunting and delayed fruiting; symptoms appearing on new growth days after a nearby spray

  • CulturalIdentify the source and protect future plantingsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Growth-regulator herbicides like 2,4-D and dicamba cause this distortion via drift or contaminated sprayers and mulch; identify and stop the source, and never use a sprayer that previously held herbicide on the garden.

    Source: UMN Extension; PennState Extension

  • CulturalSupport recovery if exposure was lightmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Plants only lightly exposed (not directly sprayed) often outgrow the damage; keep them watered and lightly fed so they can push out normal new growth, though fruiting may be delayed.

    Source: UMN Extension

Iron deficiency (interveinal chlorosis)

Deficiencymoderate

Symptoms: yellowing between veins of youngest leaves while veins stay green; new growth pale or nearly white; bleaching and browning of leaf tips in severe cases; symptoms worst on alkaline high-pH soils; older leaves stay greener than new ones

  • CulturalTest and address soil pHstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Iron is present but unavailable in high-pH soils, so test soil pH and, for the affected bed, lower pH toward the crop's preferred range (especially important for acid-loving blueberries) rather than just adding iron.

    Source: UMN Extension; UF/IFAS

  • OrganicUse chelated iron for a quick correction· every 2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    A foliar spray or soil drench of chelated iron can green up new growth per the label; soil-applied ferrous iron quickly oxidizes and becomes unavailable in high-pH soil, so chelate plus pH management works best.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UF/IFAS

Read: diagnosing leaf spots & yellowing

Japanese beetles

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: leaves skeletonized between veins; lacy chewed foliage; metallic green-bronze beetles clustered on plants; feeding worst in warm midsummer sun

Mexican bean beetle

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: lacy skeletonized leaves; fuzzy yellow spiny larvae on undersides; coppery ladybug-like adults

  • CulturalHand-pick adults, larvae, and egg masses· every 3 days · ~3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Check undersides and crush the yellow egg clusters and spiny larvae; sustained hand-picking controls small plantings.

    Source: UMN Extension

Potassium deficiency

Deficiencymoderate

Symptoms: yellowing and browning along older leaf margins; scorched curled leaf edges; weak stems; poor or uneven fruit ripening; symptoms starting on lower, older leaves

  • CulturalConfirm with a soil test firststrong evidence — extension confidence

    Edge scorch on older leaves has several causes, so get a soil test before adding potassium; over-applying can lock out magnesium and calcium.

    Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

  • OrganicApply potassium per soil-test guidancemoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If the test confirms low potassium, apply a potassium source (such as sulfate of potash) at the labeled/test-recommended rate and keep watering even, since drought worsens uptake.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UMN Extension

Read: diagnosing leaf spots & yellowing

Root rot from overwatering / poor drainage

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: stunted yellowing plants that wilt despite wet soil; soft brown mushy roots; sloughing root outer layer leaving thread-like core; poor growth in low or compacted wet spots; seedlings collapsing at the soil line

Spider mites

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: fine pale stippling/speckling on leaves; fine webbing on undersides in hot dry spells; leaves bronzing and dropping

  • CulturalHose down and raise humidity· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Mites thrive in hot, dry, dusty conditions. Spray foliage (especially undersides) with water to dislodge them and reduce dust.

    Source: UC IPM

  • OrganicInsecticidal soap or horticultural oil - label use only· every 5 days · ~2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Apply to undersides per label; mites resist many products, so soaps/oils are preferred. Not in extreme heat.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Stink bugs (brown marmorated and native)

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: cloudy or corky spots on fruit; dimpled or pitted fruit; catfacing on tomatoes; shield-shaped brown or green bugs; barrel-shaped egg clusters on leaf undersides

  • CulturalExclude with row cover and clear nearby weedsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Cover susceptible crops with floating row cover before bugs arrive, and remove weeds and groundcover near the garden in early spring where stink bugs feed before moving to crops. Lift covers on flowering crops that need pollination.

    Source: UMN Extension; UC IPM Pest Notes

  • CulturalHand-pick bugs and egg masses· every 3 daysstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Scout in the morning and drop adults, nymphs, and egg clusters into a bucket of soapy water; regular hand-picking keeps low populations in check since most garden insecticides work poorly on adults.

    Source: UMN Extension; UC IPM

  • OrganicSpot-treat young nymphs if numbers climb· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If small nymphs are abundant, a botanical such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin, or insecticidal oil, may give some suppression per the label; adults are largely unaffected, so rely mainly on exclusion and hand-picking.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Tarnished plant bug / lygus

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: deformed or puckered new growth; pitted or scarred stems and leaves; aborted or misshapen buds and fruit; catfaced or dimpled strawberries; small bronze-green bugs with triangular back marking

  • CulturalManage surrounding weedsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Keep broadleaf weeds mowed or removed around the garden, since lygus build up on flowering weeds and move to crops as those weeds dry down; avoid mowing large weedy areas right beside fruiting crops at bloom.

    Source: UC IPM

  • CulturalVacuum or shake plants to monitor and reduce· every 5 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Tap plants over a light-colored tray to check for nymphs; a handheld vacuum used once or twice weekly can hold low to moderate numbers down on small plantings.

    Source: UC IPM

  • OrganicTreat nymphs if damage is building· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For active nymph infestations, azadirachtin or a Beauveria bassiana product can give some control per the label; preserve the parasitic wasps and other natural enemies that help suppress lygus.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Thrips on fruiting vegetables

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: silvery or stippled flecking on leaves; black specks of frass; distorted or scarred young leaves and fruit; tiny slender insects in flowers; deformed fruit set

  • CulturalRemove weed and crop reservoirsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Control flowering weeds in and around the garden and remove spent host crops promptly, since thrips build up on these and move onto fruiting vegetables; avoid planting next to onions, garlic, or cereals where thrips numbers spike.

    Source: UC IPM; UF/IFAS

  • CulturalKeep plants vigorous and rinse foliagemoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Water and feed adequately so plants tolerate feeding, and a forceful water spray can knock down populations; reflective mulch can also deter thrips from settling on young plants.

    Source: UC IPM

  • OrganicTreat with spinosad or oil if needed· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If thrips are damaging growing points or fruit, spinosad or insecticidal soap/oil can help per the label; rotate modes of action and avoid spraying open blooms to protect pollinators and natural enemies.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM; UF/IFAS

Wireworms

Pestmoderate

Unusual this time of year.

Symptoms: patchy poor germination; seedlings die in stretches; tunneled holes in potatoes and root crops; hard shiny orange-brown worms in soil; thinning stands after sod or grass

  • CulturalRotate away from grassy groundstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid planting susceptible crops right after sod, pasture, or grass cover, where wireworms build up; rotate to a less-favored crop and let infested beds dry out between plantings.

    Source: UMass Extension: Wireworms; UC IPM: Wireworms

  • CulturalBait-trap to monitor· every 5 days · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Bury pieces of carrot or potato or a handful of soaked wheat seed as bait when soil reaches about 50F, check after several days, and remove the worms you find to gauge and reduce pressure.

    Source: UMass Extension: Wireworms

Aphids

Pestlow

Symptoms: clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects on new growth and undersides; sticky honeydew or sooty mold; curled distorted new leaves; ants tending them

  • CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.

    Source: UC IPM: Aphids

  • OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Earwigs

Pestlow

Symptoms: ragged irregular holes in leaves and seedlings; chewed flower petals; damage to soft fruit; pincered insects hiding in dark moist spots; feeding noticed mainly overnight

  • CulturalTrap and remove· every 1 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Set rolled damp newspaper, low tuna-style cans of oil, or short tubes near plants at dusk, then dump trapped earwigs into soapy water each morning; reduce mulch and damp hiding spots near vulnerable seedlings.

    Source: UC IPM

  • OrganicApply a bait only if damage persists· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Established plants usually tolerate earwigs, which also eat aphids; if seedlings are being destroyed, a spinosad-based bait labeled for earwigs can help per the label.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM