Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Common Bean, also known by other names like Phaseolus vulgaris, field bean, flageolet bean, French bean, garden bean, green bean, haricot bean, pop bean, or snap bean, is an incredibly versatile and nutritious legume. This annual plant offers a wealth of culinary possibilities and significant health benefits.

At Gardencenterpoint.com, we believe understanding how to cultivate common beans, selecting the right varieties, and utilizing best practices for growing can transform your garden and your plate. This is why we provide this guide.

Common Bean Varieties

The sheer diversity within the Phaseolus vulgaris species is astounding. Choosing the right bean variety for your garden and culinary needs is the first step toward a successful harvest. Broadly, common beans are categorized by growth habit and use.

Common name	Common Bean, Green Bean, Snap Bean, Kidney Bean, Pinto Bean, Black Bean, Navy Bean, Field Bean, Flageolet Bean, French Bean, Garden Bean, Haricot Bean, Pop Bean.
Botanical name	Phaseolus vulgaris
Family	Fabaceae (Leguminosae – Pea Family)
Genus	Phaseolus
Species	vulgaris
Origin	Central and South America
Life cycle	Annual
Plant type	Herbaceous Vine or Bush (depending on variety)
Hardiness zone	Typically grown as an annual in all zones; thrives in zones 3-10 during the frost-free growing season.
Sunlight	Full Sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Maintenance	Low to Moderate (depending on variety and pest/disease pressure)
Water	Moderate (consistent moisture, about 1 inch per week)
Drainage	Well-Drained
Spacing	Bush Beans: 4-6 inches between plants, 18-24 inches between rows. Pole Beans: 4-6 inches between plants at the base of supports.
Flowering period	Spring/Summer (depending on planting time and variety)
Height	Bush Beans: 1-2 feet Pole Beans: 6-10+ feet (with support)
Growth rate	Fast
Flower color	White, Pink, Purple, rarely Yellow.
Pod color	Variable, depending on variety
Seed color	Highly variable, depending on variety
Stem color	Green, sometimes with Purple or Reddish tinges.
Flower benefit	Attracts pollinators (though beans are primarily self-pollinating).
Garden style	Vegetable Garden, Container Garden, Raised Bed Garden.
Uses	Food (fresh, cooked, dried), Ornamental (some varieties).
Soil pH	6.0-6.8.
Nitrogen Fixation	Yes.
Propagation	Seed.

Bush Beans vs. Pole Beans: Choosing the Right Growth Habit

This fundamental distinction dictates planting strategy and space requirements.

• Bush Beans: These compact plants, typically reaching 1-2 feet in height, are ideal for smaller gardens or container gardening. They mature relatively quickly, often producing a concentrated harvest within a few weeks.
  • Advantages: Space-saving, early harvest, no support needed.
  • Examples: ‘Blue Lake Bush,’ ‘Contender,’ ‘Tendercrop.’
  • Spacing Recommendation: Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, in rows 18-24 inches apart. This spacing, recommended by the University of Minnesota Extension, allows for good air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
• Pole Beans: These vining plants require trellises, stakes, or other supports to climb. They can reach heights of 6-10 feet or more, producing a continuous harvest throughout the season.
  • Advantages: Higher yields per square foot, extended harvest period, vertical gardening.
  • Examples: ‘Kentucky Wonder,’ ‘Scarlet Runner,’ ‘Blue Lake Pole.’
  • Support Structures: Use sturdy trellises or teepees at least 6 feet tall. A popular and effective method, detailed by the National Garden Bureau, involves creating a teepee with three or four bamboo poles tied together at the top.
  • Spacing Recommendation: Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart around the base of each support.

Snap Beans, Dry Beans, and Shell Beans: Understanding Bean Usage

Beyond growth habit, beans are categorized by how they are typically consumed.

• Snap Beans (Green Beans): These are harvested when the pods are young and tender, and the seeds are immature. The entire pod is edible.
  • Characteristics: Crisp texture, vibrant color, eaten fresh, steamed, stir-fried, or pickled.
  • Examples: ‘Blue Lake,’ ‘Kentucky Wonder,’ ‘Romano.’
  • Harvesting Tip: Pick snap beans regularly, every few days, to encourage continuous production. The pods should be firm and snap easily when bent.
• Dry Beans: These are allowed to fully mature on the vine until the pods are dry and brittle, and the seeds are hard. The seeds are then harvested and stored.
  • Characteristics: Require shelling, long storage life, used in soups, stews, chili, and refried beans.
  • Examples: ‘Kidney Bean,’ ‘Pinto Bean,’ ‘Black Bean,’ ‘Navy Bean,’ ‘Great Northern Bean.’
  • Drying Process: Allow pods to dry completely on the vine. If weather threatens, pull up the entire plant and hang it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Shell Beans (Shelly Beans): These are harvested at an intermediate stage, when the seeds are fully formed but still tender, and the pods are starting to dry. The seeds are shelled and eaten fresh or cooked.
  • Characteristics: Creamy texture, delicate flavor, often considered a delicacy.
  • Examples: ‘Flageolet,’ ‘Cranberry Bean.’
  • Harvesting Tip: Harvest when the pods are plump and the seeds are easily visible through the pod, but the pod is not yet fully dry.

Heirloom vs. Hybrid Common Beans

• Heirloom Beans: These are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down through generations, often for 50 years or more. They are prized for their unique flavors, colors, and adaptations to specific regions.
  • Advantages: Genetic diversity, unique flavors, seed saving.
  • Seed Saving: Save seeds from the healthiest plants to maintain the variety’s characteristics.
• Hybrid Beans: These are created by cross-pollinating two different parent varieties to combine desirable traits, such as disease resistance, higher yields, or uniform maturity.
  • Advantages: Improved vigor, disease resistance, uniformity.
  • Note: Seeds saved from hybrid plants will not produce offspring that are true to type.

Planting Common Beans

Timing, soil preparation, and proper planting techniques are crucial for a bountiful bean cultivation.

When to Plant Common Beans

Common beans are warm-season crops and are sensitive to frost.

• Soil Temperature: Wait until the soil temperature has consistently reached at least 60°F (15°C). This is typically 1-2 weeks after the last expected frost. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can be a helpful resource for determining your last frost date.
• Direct Sowing: Common beans are typically direct-sown, meaning the seeds are planted directly in the garden.
• Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, plant successive crops of bush beans every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.

Soil Preparation

Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is essential for healthy bean growth.

• Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Beans prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
• Amending the Soil: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve drainage, fertility, and water retention.
• Sunlight: Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Follow the specific spacing recommendations for bush beans or pole beans, as outlined in the “Varieties” section.

• Planting Depth: Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.
• Inoculation (Optional): While beans can fix nitrogen from the air, inoculating the seeds with Rhizobium bacteria can enhance this process, particularly in soils where beans have not been grown recently.

Watering Common Bean

Watering is a crucial aspect, particularly during the period when the pods are growing. It’s essential to apply water directly to the soil beneath the plants, employing methods like drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep the foliage dry, as moist leaves can lead to diseases.

Caring for Common Bean Plants

Ongoing care, including watering, fertilizing, and pest and disease management, is essential for a healthy and productive bean crop.

Watering

• Regular Watering: Beans need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
• Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilizing

• Nitrogen Fixation: Common beans are legumes, meaning they have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.
• Balanced Fertilizer: If a soil test indicates nutrient deficiencies, use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-10, applied according to package directions. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of bean production.
• Side Dressing: If needed, side-dress the plants with compost tea or a diluted liquid fertilizer when they begin to flower.

Weed Control

• Regular Weeding: Keep the area around bean plants free of weeds, which compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
• Hand Weeding: Hand-weed carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of bean plants.
• Mulching: Mulch helps suppress weed growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Common beans can be susceptible to various pests and diseases.

• Common Pests:
  • Mexican Bean Beetle: These copper-colored beetles with black spots skeletonize bean leaves. Handpick adults and larvae, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from plants and can transmit viruses. Control them with a strong spray of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
  • Spider Mites: These tiny pests thrive in hot, dry conditions and cause stippling and yellowing of leaves. Control them with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
  • Bean Leaf Beetle: Adults chew holes on leaves and can spread viral diseases. Handpicking or row covers are effective.
• Common Diseases:
  • Bean Common Mosaic Virus: This viral disease causes mottled leaves and stunted growth. There is no cure; remove and destroy infected plants.
  • Bacterial Blight: This bacterial disease causes water-soaked spots on leaves that turn brown and necrotic. Avoid overhead watering and use copper-based fungicides.
  • Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on pods, stems, and leaves. Use disease-free seed, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based fungicides.
  • White Mold: Caused by a fungus. Proper plant spacing and good air circulation are essential.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Use a combination of cultural practices, biological controls, and least-toxic pesticides to manage pests and diseases.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing certain plants together to benefit each other.

• Beneficial Companions:
  • Corn: Pole beans can climb corn stalks, providing support.
  • Squash: Squash plants can help shade the soil, conserving moisture and suppressing weeds. The “Three Sisters” planting method, a traditional Native American technique, combines corn, beans, and squash.
  • Marigolds: Marigolds are believed to repel Mexican bean beetles and other pests.
  • Rosemary and Summer Savory: Repel bean beetles.
• Plants to Avoid: Avoid planting beans near onions, garlic, or other members of the allium family, as they can inhibit bean growth.

Harvesting and Storing Common Beans

Knowing when and how to harvest your beans ensures optimal flavor and texture.

Harvesting Snap Beans

• Timing: Harvest snap beans when the pods are young and tender, before the seeds inside have fully developed. The pods should snap easily when bent.
• Frequency: Pick snap beans regularly, every few days, to encourage continuous production.
• Method: Gently pull the pods from the plant, being careful not to damage the stems.

Harvesting Shell Beans

• Timing: Harvest shell beans when pods are plump but not fully dry. Seeds must be full size and showing their true colors.

Harvesting Dry Beans

• Timing: Allow the pods to dry completely on the vine until they are brittle and the seeds are hard.
• Method: Pull up the entire plant and hang it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area to finish drying. Once the pods are completely dry, shell the beans and store them in airtight containers.
• Storage: The seeds must be dry to be stored for longer period of time.

Storing Beans

• Snap Beans: Store fresh snap beans in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container for up to a week.
• Dry Beans: Store dried beans in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored dry beans can last for a year or more.
• Freezing: Freezing is also an option.

Common Bean Nutrition

Common beans are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Nutritional Profile (per 1 cup cooked, varies by variety):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	~225	11%
Protein	~15 grams	30%
Fiber	~15 grams	60%
Folate	~200 mcg	50%
Iron	~3.5 mg	20%
Potassium	~700 mg	20%
Magnesium	~80 mg	20%
Manganese	~0.5 mg	23%

Source: USDA FoodData Central

Health Benefits:

• Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein: Common beans are a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. This makes them an excellent protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
• High in Fiber: The high fiber content of common beans promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to feelings of fullness.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Common beans are a good source of folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients.
• Antioxidant Properties: Common beans contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May Reduce Risk of Chronic Diseases: Studies have shown that regular consumption of beans may help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that consuming legumes, including common beans, at least four times a week was associated with a 22% lower risk of coronary heart disease.
• Supports a healthy weight. Beans are low in fat, calories, and sodium, and high in fiber, all of which can help with weight loss

Common Bean Recipes and Culinary Uses

Common beans are incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

Snap Bean Recipes:

• Simple Sautéed Green Beans: Sauté fresh snap beans with garlic and olive oil for a quick and healthy side dish.
• Green Bean Salad: Combine blanched green beans with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a vinaigrette dressing.
• Green Bean Casserole: A classic comfort food dish.

Dry Bean Recipes:

• Chili: A hearty and flavorful stew made with kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans.
• Bean Soup: A comforting and nutritious soup made with a variety of beans and vegetables.
• Refried Beans: Mashed pinto beans, often used as a filling for burritos or tacos.
• Hummus: A Middle Eastern dip made with chickpeas (a type of bean).

Shell Bean Recipes:

• Succotash: A traditional Native American dish made with lima beans (a type of shell bean), corn, and other vegetables.
• Fava Bean Salad: A fresh and flavorful salad made with fava beans (a type of shell bean), herbs, and lemon juice.

Troubleshooting Common Bean Problems

Even with the best care, you may encounter some challenges when growing common beans.

Yellowing Leaves

• Possible Causes: Nitrogen deficiency, overwatering, underwatering, pests, diseases.
• Solutions: Conduct a soil test, adjust watering practices, check for pests and diseases, and apply appropriate treatments.

Lack of Flowering or Pod Production

• Possible Causes: Insufficient sunlight, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, poor pollination, high temperatures.
• Solutions: Ensure plants receive adequate sunlight, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, attract pollinators to your garden, and provide shade during extreme heat.

Stunted Growth

• Possible Causes: Poor soil, nutrient deficiencies, pests, diseases, root rot.
• Solutions: Amend the soil, conduct a soil test, check for pests and diseases, and improve drainage.

Pods with Holes or Blemishes

• Possible Causes: Pests (e.g., Mexican bean beetles, slugs), diseases (e.g., anthracnose).
• Solutions: Implement pest and disease management strategies, as outlined above.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• What kind of soil is best for growing common beans?
  • Well-drained soil.
• How to prepare the soil for planting?
  • Soil test and amend.
• What are common diseases for common beans?
  • Viruses, Bacterial blight and White mold.

The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, is a truly remarkable plant. Its versatility, nutritional value, and ease of cultivation make it a valuable addition to any garden. From the wide array of varieties to the diverse culinary possibilities, there’s a common bean to suit every taste and gardening situation. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious beans, enhancing both your garden and your well-being. Gardencenterpoint.com encourages you to explore the world of common beans and discover the many benefits they offer.