The Fastest-Growing Bean Plants

Royal Burgundy

• Royal Burgundy produces an attractive glossy, purple podded bean that turns green when cooked. With approximately 52 days to maturity, it is one of the fastest-growing varieties of bush bean. An upright, bushy plant, it reaches a height of two feet. Royal Burgundy can be planted in the spring directly in the ground after the last frost.

Derby

• Derby is a fast-growing variety of bush snap bean that matures in 57 days. It produces green bean pods that are round and smooth, six inches long, with a tender texture and tasty full flavor. An upright growing plant, Derby grows to a height of 15 to 20 inches. It can be planted directly into the ground in the spring after the last frost, and then successively every three weeks until late summer.

Blue Lake 274 Bush

• Blue Lake 274 Bush is the bush variety of the popular blue lake pole bean. It matures in 58 days, with buds and flowers showing within four to five weeks of planting. The richly colored green pod bean is firm and plump. It can be planted in the ground after the last frost, and then successively every two weeks for continuous production throughout the summer.

Jade Bush Bean

• Jade bush bean matures in 60 days. It has a higher yield than that achieved with other bush bean varieties. The stringless green beans this plant produces measure five to seven inches in length, and are narrow and straight. Their flavor is sweet, with a tender texture. Jade bush bean has an upright growth, and can be planted from seed as soon as the soil is warm in the spring. It is a favorite bean plant for many home gardeners.

Kentucky Blue Bean

• Developed from "Kentucky Wonder" and "Blue Lake Pole" varieties, Kentucky blue is an award-winning pole bean variety that grows fast and produces early, with approximately 60 days to maturity. Its green bean pods are six to seven inches in length, round, with a sweet flavor. Kentucky blue bean can be planted in late spring, and will continue to produce throughout the season.