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Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris 'Tendercrop'

Tendercrop Bush Bean

Tendercrop Bush Bean is an open-pollinated bean variety (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Tendercrop'). Harvest begins around day 53-60; seed germinates in 6-10 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
53-60days to harvest
6-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Container friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is 60°F or warmer. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep.

Cultivation

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

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green pods
Size
5-6 inches long
Shape
Straight, round, smooth pods
Flavour
Tender, mild, sweet flavor with no strings

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, steaming, stir-frying, freezing, and canning. Excellent all-purpose green bean.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Bean leaf beetle, Mexican bean beetle, aphids, thrips
Diseases
Bacterial blight, white mold, anthracnose, powdery mildew
Resistance
Excellent resistance to common bean mosaic, good rust resistance

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 bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
BasilRepels aphids, thrips, and flies while potentially improving bean flavor
CarrotsLoosens soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
CucumberBeans fix nitrogen that cucumbers can utilize, compatible root systems
RadishQuick-growing crop that breaks up soil and deters bean beetles
Summer SquashBeans provide nitrogen while squash provides ground cover to retain moisture
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attracts beneficial insects
CornProvides natural support structure for climbing varieties and benefits from nitrogen fixation

Avoid

OnionCan inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
GarlicStunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial rhizobia bacteria
SunflowerAllelopathic compounds inhibit bean germination and growth

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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