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Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris 'Early Contender'

Early Contender Bush Bean

Early Contender Bush Bean is an open-pollinated bean. Germination takes 6-10 days and fruit ripens from about day 49-55. Skin runs to medium green pods. Water need is 1 inch per week, consistent moisture during flowering. Suits zones 2-11. It will crop in a container.

Beans
49-55days to harvest
6-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Very Easydifficulty
Container friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is at least 60°F. Plant 1 inch deep, can succession plant every 2 weeks.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture during flowering
Soil
Well-drained garden soil, tolerates various soil types
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
4-6 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Medium green pods
Size
5-6 inches long
Shape
Straight, round pods
Flavour
Mild, sweet, tender with good snap

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, steaming, stir-fries, freezing, canning, casseroles

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Mexican bean beetle, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Bacterial blight, rust, anthracnose
Resistance
Excellent resistance to common 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, 3 to avoid.

MarigoldRepels Mexican bean beetles and aphids, attracts beneficial insects
BasilRepels aphids, thrips, and spider mites while improving bean flavor
CarrotsLoosen soil for bean roots and don't compete for nitrogen
CornProvides natural trellis support and beans fix nitrogen for corn
Summer SquashLarge leaves provide living mulch and shade for bean roots
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
LettuceBenefits from nitrogen fixed by beans and provides ground cover
RosemaryRepels Mexican bean beetles and carrot flies

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation
SunflowersAllelopathic chemicals can stunt bean growth
FennelInhibits growth through allelopathic compounds

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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Grown Early Contender Bush Bean?

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