Long Bean Plants

Background Information

• The long bean (also known as yard-long bean, Chinese bean or Asparagus bean) is native to Asia. These beans grow both on climbing vines that may reach up to 12 feet in height, or small bushes depending on the variety of long bean. The pod, or bean the plant produces, reaches lengths of 12 inches to 30 inches. A relative of the black-eye pea, long beans produce yellow or blue-violet flowers and continues to grow even after it produces beans.

Uses

• As previously mentioned, long beans are used primarily as a food source. When harvested at the proper stage, the beans are long, smooth and pale green with seeds that are just beginning to develop but have not expanded. At this stage, beans may be stewed, steamed, boiled or sauteed and used as any green bean would. Another use involves allowing the seeds in the beans to develop by leaving the beans on the vine for a longer period of time. These seeds may be harvested and used to plant more long beans for the next growing season.

Cultivation

• Grow long beans in a warm climate without cold, freezing temperatures. These beans are tolerant of higher temperatures that other varieties of green beans cannot withstand. Plant seeds in late springtime in rich, well-drained soil. Water plants thoroughly and daily, keeping soil moist but never soggy or muddy. Provide a pole or trellis for vining types and train these vines to grow up the pole or trellis. Fertilize regularly and harvest beans between eight and 10 weeks after sowing.

Problems

• Long beans are susceptible to problems from disease and pests. Viral diseases such as mosaic virus are common among long bean plants. Treat these diseases by controlling pests that spread disease and by administering an antiviral product labeled safe for long beans. Pests of the long bean include aphids, red mites and bean fly. Treat infested plants as quickly as possible with a pesticide formulated for the specific pest infestation and safe for long bean plants.