Bean Plants & Information About How They Grow

Growth Cycle

• Beans are warm-season vegetables. Plant them when the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Usually this is in midspring, depending on location. It usually takes about three to four months for beans to mature but varies with the variety. Bush beans may be ready to harvest within 57 days of planting.

Watering

• Most beans require about an inch of water per week. They are sensitive to both overwatering and drought. During the germination stages, they are especially sensitive to excessive water levels and will rot if they remain in wet soil for too long.

Flowering, Maturity and Harvest

• Bean plants develop flower buds, which mature into bean pods. Flower buds drop off or fail to develop in hot or windy conditions. Harvest beans in the late morning once any dew has dried when the pods are fully mature but the beans are not completely developed. Beans should not be bulging from the pods.