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Contender Bush Bean

Contender Bush Bean is an open-pollinated bean variety (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender'). Harvest begins around day 50-55; seed germinates in 7-10 days. Set plants 4-6 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-7.0, zones 2-11, full sun (6+ hours). It will crop in a container.

Beans
50-55days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Container friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture especially during flowering
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-6 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Medium green pods
Size
5-6 inches long
Shape
Round, straight pods
Flavour
Tender, mild bean flavor with crisp texture

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, steaming, stir-frying, freezing, and canning

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Bean beetles, aphids, spider mites, cutworms
Diseases
Bacterial blight, anthracnose, rust, white mold
Resistance
Good resistance to bean mosaic virus and powdery mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——July – AugustSeptember – August
2——June – AugustSeptember
3——June – JulyAugust – October
4——June – JulyAugust – October
5——May – JuneAugust – September
6——May – JuneJuly – September
7——April – JuneJuly – August
8——April – MayJune – August
9——March – AprilMay – July
10——February – AprilMay – June
11——January – MarchApril – May
12——January – MarchApril – May
13——January – MarchApril – May

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 4 to avoid.

MarigoldRepels bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
CarrotsImprove soil structure and don't compete for nutrients, beans provide nitrogen for carrots
CornProvides natural support structure and benefits from nitrogen fixed by bean roots
Summer SquashLarge leaves provide ground cover and moisture retention, part of Three Sisters planting
CucumberBenefits from nitrogen provided by beans, similar water requirements
RadishesQuick-growing crop that breaks up soil and deters bean beetles
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attracts beneficial predatory insects
RosemaryRepels bean beetles and carrot flies with strong aromatic oils

Avoid

OnionsInhibits bean growth and nitrogen fixation through allelopathic compounds
GarlicStunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial root bacteria
SunflowersAllelopathic effects inhibit bean germination and growth
FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of beans and most vegetables

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
1.97
Fat (g)
0.275
Carbohydrate (g)
7.41
Fibre (g)
3.01
Vitamin K (µg)
43.9
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.121
Calcium (mg)
40
Iron (mg)
0.652
Magnesium (mg)
28.2
Phosphorus (mg)
41.2
Potassium (mg)
290
Zinc (mg)
0.35
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the beans growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Other beans with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Contender Bush Bean suits these too.

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