BEANS Seychelles Pole 3″ sqpt
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Open-pollinated. A prolific producer of perfect quality 5-6” stringless round pods with an archipelago of tender, small white seeds inside each. Vigorous plants produce dark green pods that drop in clusters of six on a loose hanging truss for an easy and continuous harvest. Great flavor and all-around high performance. Vines will reach 5’ tall and require initial training to climb a trellis. AAS winner.
60 days
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Bean Growing Tips
Beans are a staple in the vegetable garden and all the different types and varieties available make them incredibly fun and rewarding to grow. Beans are in the legume family and develop a symbiotic relationship with beneficial bacteria in the soil. The bacteria form nodules on the roots of beans, peas, and other legumes and fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which makes it available for the plant to use. In return, the plants provide the bacteria with sugars that they produce during photosynthesis.
Snap Beans: There are two main growth habits: bush beans and pole beans. Bush bean plants remain small and somewhat compact while pole bean plants grow very tall and require a trellis for support. Beans are available in a range of colors from green to yellow to purple. Pod shapes vary too, with some cultivars having straight, round pods while classic Italian varieties have flat pods.
Soybeans/Edamame: Soybeans are considered specialty beans in our area. The sturdy, upright plants don’t require any additional support.
Planting
- Beans grow best in well drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Prior to planting, prepare the soil by incorporating a good quality compost and a balanced fertilizer.
- We sell our bean transplants in peat pots which can be planted directly into the garden so that the roots do not have to be disturbed. Make sure that the peat pot is thoroughly moistened prior to planting.
- The rim of the pot that sticks above the soil should be carefully removed or completely buried when planting. If left exposed, it can wick moisture out of the rest of the pot causing the soil around the seedling to dry out too quickly.
- Bush Snap Beans: Space plants 1.5 – 2” apart in rows that are 8 to 12” apart.
- Pole Beans: Space plants approximately 6” apart along a trellis. If using poles for support, 3 or 4 plants can be planted around the base of the pole, about 6” apart.
- Soybeans: Soybeans should be spaced about 3” apart, in rows about 12” apart.
Watering
Beans growing in soil that retains moisture well may not need to be watered as often as those grown in a sandier soil. 1” of water per week is recommended. Drip irrigation is an effective and efficient way to irrigate vegetable crops because the water is delivered directly to the soil where it will be taken up by the roots. Drip irrigation also keeps water off of the foliage which will reduce the risk of disease development.
Maintenance
Weed around the plants regularly, but make sure not to cultivate too deeply which can damage any roots that are close to the surface. Using mulch, such as cocoa mulch, straw, untreated dry grass clippings or shredded leaves will suppress weed growth and help retain soil moisture.
Harvesting
- Snap Beans:
- Pods can be picked at any stage until the individual seeds, which are inside the pod, become enlarged (you can feel them in the pod). Younger pods will be nice and tender, while older pods will become fibrous and stringy.
- Pods can be refrigerated for short term storage. For longer-term, beans can be processed and canned or frozen.
- Soybeans (Edamame):
- Harvesting typically occurs when the pods are plump, green, and the beans inside are fully formed, but still tender. To know when to harvest, look for bright green pods that feel full when you squeeze them. The beans inside should have filled out the pod but still be soft. To prepare, cook the beans in the pods in boiling water and then shell them after cooking.
