Yard Long Bean Seeds - Vigna unguiculata

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Grows as a warm-season annual in all zones. These plants are not frost-hardy and will be killed by freezing temperatures.

Best performance in Zones 6-11 where long, hot summers provide ideal growing conditions for maximum production. Yard long beans require significant heat to produce well.

Northern zones (2-5) - Direct sow seeds after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed. A soil temperature of at least 70F is critical for good germination. Using a black plastic mulch can help warm the soil more quickly.

Hot climate zones (7-11) - This plant excels in heat. Plant in late spring or early summer after the soil is warm. The plants will continue to produce throughout the summer and into the fall until the first frost.

Soil temperature critical - Requires warm soil of at least 70F for germination, with optimal soil temperature of 80-90F for quick sprouting and strong plant establishment.

Growing season needs - Requires 60-80 days to maturity from seed, with production continuing until the first frost.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70F. Planting too early in cool soil will result in poor germination. Unlike many other vegetables, yard long beans thrive in summer heat, so don't be in a rush to plant them.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Yard long beans are not picky about soil type, but they do best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Avoid soils that are overly rich in nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced bean production.

Sowing Seeds:

Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of 6 inches.

Set up a sturdy trellis, pole, or fence before planting, as these vines grow quickly and need support from the start.

Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart along the base of the support structure.

Gently firm the soil over the seeds and water thoroughly.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which helps prevent disease. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant but will produce more with regular watering.

Fertilizing: Beans are nitrogen fixers, meaning they can pull nitrogen from the air and store it in the soil, so they generally don't need much, if any, nitrogen fertilizer. If your soil is poor, a phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer can be beneficial.

Harvesting: Harvest beans frequently when they are young and tender, about 12-18 inches long. They will have a crisp snap when picked. If left on the vine too long, they will become tough and starchy. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more beans.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for common pests like aphids and bean beetles. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering will help prevent fungal diseases.