Beans (Pole) Growing Guide

Phaseolus vulgaris

Crop Rotation Group

Legumes (Pea and Bean family) ●

Soil

Average, well drained soil.

Position

Full sun to very light shade.

Frost tolerant

Warm-season annuals, cannot tolerate frost.

Feeding

Mix an organic fertilizer into the soil before planting, using rates given on the label. Supplemental fertilizer seldom required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 9" (25cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 5" (15cm) with 1' 1" (35cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant seeds 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in late spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Install a sturdy trellis before you plant your pole beans.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Mulch to keep the soil cool and moist, and to reduce problems with weeds.

Harvesting

Gather pods before they fill with seeds. When picked often, pole beans continue to produce all summer.

Troubleshooting

Japanese beetles and Mexican bean beetles sometimes damage leaves and pods. Gather them in broad containers of soapy water in the cool of the morning. During very hot weather, pole beans may temporarily stop producing new flowers and pods.