When to plant green beans

Timing

Beans are sensitive to cold temperatures and frost; they should be planted after all danger of frost has passed in the spring. Timing on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Timing

If the soil has warmed before the average last-frost date, an early planting may be made a week to 10 days before this date. Timing on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Succession

Their sheet lists planting every 2 to 4 weeks until early August. Succession interval on their sheet — not a BioArva calendar and not a yield promise.

Seed

Seeds of most varieties tend to crack and germinate poorly if the soil's moisture content is too high; they say never soak bean seeds before planting. Seed note on their sheet — not a BioArva seed treatment.

Limit

Illinois snap-bean sheet only.

Timing

Seed after danger of frost is past. Frost will damage plant tissue. Timing/hardiness on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Succession

Their sheet lists planting snap beans every 2 to 3 weeks from the frost-free date through mid-to-late July. Succession interval on their sheet — not a BioArva calendar and not a yield promise.

Maturity

From direct garden sowing, their sheet lists snap beans 50–60 days and pole beans 60–110 days. Days-to-maturity on their sheet — not a yield promise.

Depth

Cover seed with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil or compost. Depth on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Limit

Maryland bean sheet only. Depth is not averaged with Illinois or Iowa State.

Timing

The last practical date for planting snap beans on their sheet is August 1. Iowa calendar — not a national plant date.

Succession

For continuous harvest, plant bush cultivars every 2 to 3 weeks. Succession interval on their sheet — not a BioArva calendar and not a yield promise.

Timing

Beans should be planted after the danger of frost has passed; in central Iowa, they say it is usually safe to begin planting around May 10. Iowa calendar on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Depth

Bean seeds should be planted 1 to 1½ inches deep. Depth on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Spacing

Bush cultivars are planted in rows 2 feet apart with seeds spaced 1 to 2 inches apart; after seedlings emerge, thin bush snap beans to 3 to 4 inches between plants. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Limit

Iowa bean sheet. May 10 and August 1 are Iowa, not national dates.

Timing

Beans are warm-weather crops, requiring a soil temperature of 60°F for proper germination, and cannot tolerate frost. Timing on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Germination

Planting in soil with a temperature that’s too cool can result in poor germination and seed rot. Source-observed soil-temperature context — not a diagnosis.

Sun

Beans prefer direct sunlight for eight to 10 hours per day. Light note on their sheet — not a site ranking.

Limit

West Virginia bean sheet only.

Temperature

Green beans grow best when air temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F. Temperature range on their sheet — not a BioArva climate zone.

Timing

Soil temperatures should be at least 55°F for good seed germination. Timing on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Start

Green beans can be directly seeded in the garden and do not need to be started as transplants. Direct-sow note on their sheet — not a national method ranking.

Sun

Green beans should receive six to eight hours or more of sunlight every day. Light note on their sheet — not a site ranking.

Water

Irrigate beans immediately after planting; keep the seed bed moist, but not soggy, for the first week until germination occurs. Establishment-water note on their sheet — not a BioArva irrigation schedule.

Limit

Georgia bean sheet. 55°F soil is not WVU’s 60°F germination note.

Timing

Start planting beans one week before the last frost-free date for your area. Timing on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Germination

Seedlings will emerge in 7–10 days when planted in soil that has warmed to 65–85°F. Germination note on their sheet — not a BioArva climate zone.

Limit

Utah bean sheet only.

Timing

Plant beans once the soil has warmed; in much of Minnesota, this is not until late May or even early June. Minnesota calendar on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Limit

Minnesota bean sheet only.