Growing common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) was particularly memorable for me when I first tried the ‘Blue Lake’ variety. The plants grew quickly, and during flowering, my garden was filled with beautiful white blossoms. When harvest time finally arrived, the fresh, crisp beans tasted beyond all my expectations, and since then, I regularly plant common bean in my garden.
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties and their characteristics
The
Phaseolus vulgaris is commonly known as the common bean, which belongs to the typical bean species. Many people cultivate this plant as a vegetable because its young pods are tasty and nutritious.
The common bean comes in various varieties, including those with green, yellow, and purple pods, all popular in kitchens. It is relatively easy to grow and adapts well to different soil types, favouring sunny spots
( Garden Lovers Club )
The most common common bean varieties, along with their Latin names:
- Yellow-podded common bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Golden Wax'
- Green-podded common bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'
- Borlotti common bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Borlotto'
- Capitano common bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Capitano'
- Green-podded green bean varieties – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider'
- Green-podded green bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender'
- Maxibel common bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Maxibel'
- Tendercrop common bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Tendercrop'
- Dragon Tongue common bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue'
- Gold Rush common bean – Phaseolus vulgaris 'Gold Rush'
These varieties offer different flavours and textures, making them excellent choices for the garden.
The
common bean (
Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties bring diversity to gardens, each with its own unique traits. The
yellow-podded common bean is particularly popular for its sweet, crunchy pods, while the
green-podded common bean is a favourite for its fresh flavour in salads and main dishes. The
Borlotti common bean stands out with its distinctive, colourful skin and tasty peas, making it a popular choice for freezing and preserving.
The
Capitano common bean is known for its excellent yield and disease resistance, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. Among the
green-podded green bean varieties, many options are available, such as 'Blue Lake' and 'Contender', which promise abundant harvests. If you’re looking for yellow-podded green bean seeds, you can find them from several sources, as this variety is popular in home gardens.
Common bean, also known as “bush bean”, is an extremely popular vegetable in gardens, and for good reason! There are numerous varieties, each with its own unique features. One of the most widespread varieties is ‘Blue Lake’, which has long, slender pods and is especially tasty. The ‘Contender’ variety is also popular because it matures early and tolerates cooler weather well.
In my opinion, the ‘Kentucky Wonder’ is worth a mention as well, as it is particularly prolific, and its pods are thicker, making them excellent for cooking. Which one is your favourite?
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) sowing and propagation
Growing common bean is relatively straightforward and accessible to almost anyone. I recommend sowing the seeds in late April or early May, when the soil temperature reaches 15-20 degrees Celsius. Plant the seeds 2-5 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart. It’s important to choose a sunny spot, as common bean loves sunshine!
When propagating, be careful not to plant the seeds too densely, as this can reduce the yield. I suggest trying several varieties if you can, so your harvest will be more varied!
Phaseolus vulgaris growth habits
Common bean grows quickly and vigorously. It typically matures within 50-70 days, making it an ideal choice for summer gardens. The plants grow 30-60 cm tall, and their leaves are densely arranged, which helps protect the soil from weeds.
I think it’s worth paying attention to watering as well, because common bean likes moist soil, but standing water is harmful. Ask yourself: are your plants getting enough water?
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) pruning
Pruning common bean is not mandatory but can be helpful in certain cases. If the plants grow too densely, it’s advisable to remove weaker shoots to allow more sunlight and air to reach the centre. I recommend pruning before flowering, so the plants can develop better.
When pruning, always use sharp, clean tools to avoid infections. In my opinion, the best time to prune is in the morning when the plants are still cool.
I hope these tips help you in growing common bean! Which variety will you try?
Common bean Phaseolus vulgaris diseases and pests
Common bean, depending on the variety sometimes called green bean, is a wonderful plant that is not only beautiful but also very tasty. However, like all plants, common bean is susceptible to various
diseases and
pests. In my experience, the most common problems include powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, and bean black spot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms a white, powdery coating on the leaves. If you notice the leaves starting to yellow and your plant isn’t developing properly, it’s worth taking a close look. I recommend using a fungicide against powdery mildew, but prevention is the best method: ensure proper ventilation and control leaf moisture.
Fusarium wilt is another serious disease that attacks the roots. If your common bean’s leaves yellow and the plant wilts, you might be dealing with fusarium. In such cases, it’s best to remove the infected plants and disinfect the soil.
Bean black spot is a bacterial disease that causes black spots on the leaves. If you notice this problem, I advise removing the infected leaves immediately and trying an antibacterial treatment.
Among pests, aphids and beetles are the most common. Aphids can quickly infest your plants, and it’s worth removing them by hand or using biological insecticides. Beetles, such as the bean beetle, can also be a serious problem. In my opinion, the best defence is prevention: keep your garden clean and maintain adequate spacing between plants to avoid overcrowding.
Common bean Phaseolus vulgaris companion plants
The
common bean (
Phaseolus vulgaris) is an excellent companion plant for
maize (
Zea mays) and others, such as
sunflower (
Helianthus annuus). Maize supports the common bean by growing tall and providing shade, while the bean roots fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the maize’s growth. Sunflower is also a good companion, not only adding aesthetic value but attracting pollinators, which improves yields. It’s worth considering these combinations, as they enhance both plant health and crop quantity!
How to water Phaseolus vulgaris?
Watering is crucial for the healthy growth of common bean. I believe the best time to water is in the morning, when the leaves haven’t warmed up in the sun yet. This helps prevent fungal diseases, as the leaves dry faster.
Common bean needs regular but not excessive watering. I recommend keeping the top 2-3 centimetres of soil consistently moist, but avoid letting the roots sit in standing water. If your plant’s leaves start to yellow, it might be getting too much water. In that case, reduce watering.
Ask yourself how sunny the spot where you’re growing common bean is. If it gets a lot of sunlight, you may need to water more frequently. I think the best approach is to regularly check soil moisture and adjust watering according to the plant’s needs.
Growing common bean is not only fun but very rewarding. If you watch out for diseases and pests and water properly, you can achieve a wonderful harvest. Remember, every plant is different, so pay attention to the signals your common bean gives you!
Common bean, also known as green bean or haricots verts, is a truly special plant that can be the jewel of your kitchen. It is a small, compact plant that doesn’t require support, making it ideal for smaller gardens or even balconies. The plant usually starts flowering in early summer, decorating the garden with lovely white or yellow flowers.
The yield quantity and quality of Phaseolus vulgaris
The yield of common bean is very rich and flavoursome. I think the best time to harvest is when the beans are young, still crisp and tasty. The yield varies, but a well-maintained common bean plant can produce 1-2 kg of beans. Quality depends on proper watering and nutrient supply.
I recommend always harvesting common bean fresh, as this preserves the best flavour and nutritional value. Have you ever thought about how good it feels to eat vegetables you’ve grown yourself?
Tips for cultivation: Common bean seeds
I suggest planting common bean in a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. Common bean doesn’t like excessive moisture, so it’s important not to overwater.
Have you considered how wonderful it would be to flavour your dishes with home-grown common bean? I think it’s not only healthy but also an extremely satisfying experience.
When you start harvesting common bean, make sure the beans don’t grow too large, as they then become tough. I recommend choosing young, crisp beans, as they are the tastiest.
Growing common bean is truly a joyful activity, and I hope you give it a try!
common bean topic.
