Beans
58days to harvest
7-14 daysdays to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Regular, consistent moisture during growing season
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with moderate organic matter
Spacing
6 inches
Height
6-8 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Golden yellow
Size
8-8 1/2"
Shape
Bush
Flavour
Elegant and refined flavor with superior taste compared to standard wax bean varieties.

In the kitchen

Steamed, sautéed, fresh, side dish, salads

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Bean beetles, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Bacterial blight, powdery mildew, anthracnose

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.

MarigoldsRepel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
BasilDeters aphids and spider mites, may enhance bean flavor
CarrotsHelp loosen soil for bean roots and don't compete for nutrients
RadishesBreak up compacted soil and deter cucumber beetles
NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles
Summer SavoryImproves bean growth and flavor while repelling bean beetles
CornProvides natural support structure for climbing beans
LettuceBenefits from bean shade and nitrogen fixation

Avoid

GarlicMay stunt bean growth and reduce yields
SunflowersCompete heavily for nutrients and may release growth inhibitors
OnionsCan inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation

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

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Monte Gusto?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other beans with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Monte Gusto suits these too.

Browse all 84 beans