Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
70-80 (Spring/Summer)
Growing Habit
Pole
Hardiness
Tender

Pole Beans are very frost tender and shouldn't be planted until the soil has warmed up.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
Early
Growing Conditions
Warm, Hot

Asparagus beans are easily grown, produce heavily, harvest easily, thrive in hot weather, are slightly more resistant to drought than snap beans, are more resistant to bean beetles, and are tolerant of a wide range of soils.

Beans like a warm sunny spot. These tall plants are vulnerable to being blown over, so should be sheltered from high winds and supported on a stable and secure structure. Beans like an evenly moist soil that is well drained. Mulch to prevent weeds and minimize watering. 

Outdoor Growing Temp
60°F - 90°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
60°F

Don’t plant Yardlong Beans out until all frost danger is past and the soil is warm (at least 60˚ F and ideally 80˚ F).

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Water
Low

Yardlong Bean are grown under both irrigated and non-irrigated regimes. The crop responds positively to irrigation but will also produce well under dryland conditions.

Yardlong Bean is more drought resistant than the common bean. Drought resistance is one reason that the Cowpea is such an important crop in many underdeveloped parts of the world. If irrigation is used, more vegetative growth and some delay in maturity may result. Application rates should insure that the crop is not over-watered, especially in Northern latitudes, as this will suppress growth by lowering soil temperatures. The most critical moisture requiring period is just prior to and during bloom.

Feeder
Light

Yardlong Beans, like all legumes, forms a symbiotic relationship with a specific soil bacterium (Rhizobium spp.). Rhizobium makes atmospheric nitrogen available to the plant by a process called nitrogen fixation. Fixation occurs in root nodules of the plant and the bacteria utilize sugars produced by the plant. Although Rhizobium is normally widespread, seed inoculation with Rhizobium specific to the Yardlong Beans would be beneficial in areas where it is not present. Always use Rhizobium of the Yardlong Bean type.

Suitability
High heat
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
No

Beans are not a good candidate for container growing.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Green
Fruit Size
12.0 - 24.0"
Plant Height
96.0 - 120.0"
Plant Diameter
24.0 - 24.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-11
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

The fresh pods have a dense texture and intense bean flavor that holds up well in stir fry dishes. Sweet and mild resembling the combined flavor of asparagus, mushrooms, and beans. Serving suggestion: Braid or tie into knots before cooking.

The dried beans taste similar to cowpeas but with a drier nuttier quality.

Rotation Group
Soil Builders and Cleaners: Legumes + Corn + Potatoes