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Beans · Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis

Yard Long Bean

Yard Long Bean is a heirloom bean variety (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis). Harvest begins around day 80-90; seed germinates in 10-14 days. Set plants 6-8 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 5.5-6.8, zones 11-11, full sun (6+ hours). Plants reach 5-10 feet.

Beans
80-90days to harvest
10-14days to germinate
Z11–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil is warm (70°F+) and all danger of frost has passed. Provide strong trellis or pole support.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil
Well-drained sandy loam, tolerates poor soils
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
Spacing
6-8 inches
Height
5-10 feet
Season
Spring and Summer

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Light to medium green, some purple varieties
Size
12-36 inches long
Shape
Very long, slender, cylindrical pods
Flavour
Nutty, slightly sweet, more complex than regular green beans

In the kitchen

Stir-frying, steaming, curries, Asian dishes. Best harvested young at 12-18 inches for tenderness.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Bean pod borer, aphids, spider mites, cowpea curculio
Diseases
Bacterial blight, rust, mosaic virus, root rot
Resistance
Good heat tolerance, resistant to many bean diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3——June – JulySeptember – October
4——June – JulySeptember – October
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
6——May – JuneAugust – October
7——April – JuneAugust – September
8——April – MayJuly – September
9——March – AprilJune – August
10——February – AprilJune – July
11——January – MarchMay – June
12——January – MarchMay – June
13——January – MarchMay – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

MarigoldRepels bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
BasilRepels aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack beans
CornProvides natural support structure for climbing beans while beans fix nitrogen for corn
CucumberCompatible growth habits and beans improve soil nitrogen for cucumbers
RadishBreaks up soil for bean roots and deters cucumber beetles
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and bean beetles while attracting beneficial predators
Summer SquashGround cover reduces weeds and retains moisture for bean roots
CatnipRepels aphids, ants, and flea beetles that damage bean plants

Avoid

OnionInhibits bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
GarlicStunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial rhizobia bacteria
FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that 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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Where to buy seed and equipment

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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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Similar varieties

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

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