
Black beans come in both bush (determinate) and pole (indeterminate) varieties. Bush types tend to need a little more space between plants and are harvested all at once. Pole beans will need a stake or trellis for support but generally produce a greater yield.
What are bush beans and pole beans?
Bush beans can be susceptible to a wide variety of plant diseases and viruses, including powdery mildew, anthracnose, and mosaic virus (transmitted by aphids). What Are Pole Beans? Green beans grow in two styles: bush and pole. Pole beans, also known as runner beans, are green beans that grow tall on climbing vines.
Do pole beans grow vertically or horizontally?
Pole beans grow vertically while bush beans remain closer to the ground. The vertical growth of pole beans means that you don’t need as much space to plant them. That can be a blessing to do all your planting in a limited space. Bush beans, on the other hand, require a broader space to grow.
Do bush beans need a stake?
Bush beans are a variety of common beans that grows a short or bushy plant that takes a bush shape and doesn’t require any kind of stake or poles for their support. In other words, bush beans do not need support such as a trellis. Learn about growing bush beans.
Which type of bean seed is right for You?
If you’re wondering which type of bean seed is right for you, here’s what you should consider: 1. Size: Bush beans grow up to two feet tall and you can plant seeds within six inches of other bush bean plants, while pole beans can grow up to 12 feet tall and need ample space to grow.

Are black beans a bush bean?
What Are Black Beans? The common black bean—also referred to as a turtle bean because of its hard shell—is a versatile legume that is grown from the common bean plant known as Phaseolus vulgaris. They can be grown at home in either pole or bush varieties.
Do black beans need a pole?
There's no need to provide trellising for Black Turtle beans, but adding posts or bamboo stakes to support the short runners can increase production. When grown in a site that offers full sun and fertile soil, expect each plant to produce 25 to 36 pods with each pod having 6 to 8 seeds.
How do I know if I planted bush beans or pole beans?
What's the Difference Between Bush Beans and Pole Beans?Bush beans grow compactly (reaching about two-feet tall) and do not require extra support from a structure like a trellis.Pole beans grow as climbing vines that may reach 10 to 15 feet tall and require a trellis or staking.
How tall will black beans grow?
Plant Characteristics Bean plants normally grow 7 and 20 inches tall on their own, but half-runner types growing up a trellis or other means of support may reach 3 feet in height.
How hard is it to grow black beans?
Black beans are tasty and hardy beans that are easy to grow in your garden. Plant them in the late spring so they can take advantage of the summer sun. Before you plant your seeds, you'll need to soak them in clean water for at least 2 hours to help them germinate.
What is the best time to grow black beans?
0:067:36Black Bean Harvest & Crop Rotation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWelcome to the garden. Today I'm going to be harvesting my black beans. You know they're perfectlyMoreWelcome to the garden. Today I'm going to be harvesting my black beans. You know they're perfectly ripe when the pods dry out and turn into this kind of papery texture. You can actually harvest these
Can you plant bush beans and pole beans together?
It's never ideal to plant similar plants together as they compete for nutrients, but as long as they are planted well apart from one another, planting bush and pole beans can work well. The benefit of planting bush and pole beans together is that one bed will give staggered crops.
Which beans are bush beans?
Bush beans are green beans that grow on a short, bushy plant. Common bush bean varieties include Blue Lake Bush, Roma II (Romano), Masai (Filet), and heirloom Kentucky Wonder Bush.
Do pole beans and bush beans taste the same?
Pole bean flavor is far better than even the best bush beans — they're sweeter and starchier. Pole beans have a longer harvest window. Pole beans can be harvested upright — giving your back a break!
Do black beans need support to grow?
Black beans have pole and bush varieties. They grow best in warm temperatures during late spring with soil temperatures of at least 60°F to 70 °F. Black beans take 90 to 140 days to yield a harvest. Pole varieties need support to grow vertically, use a trellis or pole to stake the plants.
Can you eat black beans off the vine?
Either way, you can pluck them at the peak of maturity or allow them to “dry on the vine” — your choice. Once you decide to pick them, remove beans from their pod and allow to dry completely. Caution: Don't eat them yet. You must soak these beans prior to ingestion, else you get a sick belly.
Can you grow black beans in pots?
You can grow black beans in a container by picking one that has at least 12 inches depth and width. Plant several seeds in the container, provide the required sunlight and water requirements, and you'll be able to harvest black beans in about 100 days.
What happens if you don't rinse black beans?
1. Not rinsing the beans first. Open any can of beans and the first thing you'll notice is the thick, goopy liquid that surrounds the beans. Not only is this liquid extra starchy, but it's also usually full of sodium.
Are kidney beans bush or pole?
Kidney beans can be grown in a bush or on a pole. Bush beans grow without support in a compact space, either in the ground or in a container. Pole beans require support—like a stake or a trellis—and do best when they're spaced out in the soil.
What is the healthiest way to eat black beans?
Make Black Bean Dip for a Healthy, Filling Snack According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, nuts and seeds are both good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that may offer health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, supporting heart health, and reducing inflammation.
What are black turtle beans vs black beans?
Black beans are classified as legumes. Also known as turtle beans because of their hard, shell-like appearance, black beans are, in fact, the edible seeds of the plant. Like other legumes, such as peanuts, peas, and lentils, black beans are prized for their high protein and fiber content.
What is the difference between bush bean and pole bean?
Although there are various types of common beans that can be grown, our main focus is on the bush bean and pole bean which are also known as green beans. What differentiates them from each other is their growing style which is to say that their differences stem from the support that they need.
What is a pole bean?
Pole beans are beans that need support poles for their growth. Pole beans are known by different names one of which is runner beans. They are so-called because they grow tall on climbing vines, poles, and trellis for their support. ( Learn how to grow pole beans)
How tall do pole beans grow?
On the other hand, pole beans are plants that grow vertically and can grow up to 10 to 15feet tall.
Why are pole beans more resistant to disease than bush beans?
Also, pole beans are more resistant because they are slightly harder than the bush bean which comes in fresh. In the case when you don’t have the time to manage and research on how to curb bush diseases and viruses, you can instead go for the pole bean which is easy to manage and control.
What are the different types of beans?
Their various cultivars can be grouped into bush beans or dwarf beans or pole beans or climbing beans. The bush varieties form erect bushes while the pole or running varieties form vines. The common beans generally contain folate, potassium, iron, proteins, and dietary fiber.
What are the colors of bush beans?
They also come in different colors like red, green, purple, yellow, and other streaked varieties. The good thing about the common beans is that they also add nutrients to the soil. The bush bean and pole bean come from the same wax bean family and are easy to cultivate and grow.
Why are bean plants so popular?
They are popular for a lot of reasons like their health benefits, their availability and they are quite economical to manage.
How hot do pole beans grow?
Both bush and pole beans enjoy soil and air temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and grow best when planted just after the last frost date. Both require full sun.
How tall do bush beans grow?
Bush bean plants: Grow up to two feet tall. Since bush beans only reach up to two feet tall and two feet wide, you can plant them very close together in a smaller garden. Don’t require support. Bush bean plants grow short and squat, so they don’t require a trellis or other support to thrive. Have a shorter production time.
Why are green beans so popular?
Also known as snap beans or string beans, green beans are one of the most commonly grown plants in an outdoor garden because they add nutrients to the soil rather than leeching them all away.
What are the different types of green beans?
Green beans grow in two styles: bush and pole. Pole beans, also known as runner beans, are green beans that grow tall on climbing vines. Common pole bean varieties include Kentucky Blue, Blue Lake Pole, Scarlet Runner, and heirloom Kentucky Wonder Pole. Pole bean plants: 1 Grow up to 12 feet tall. Pole beans are large and impressive plants, usually growing at least six feet tall and often up to 12 feet. Pole beans need ample space to grow, and won’t grow well in compact areas. 2 Require trellises or other support. Since pole beans grow tall, they’ll need a form of support to grow on (hence their name, “pole beans”). Common pole bean support systems include a trellis, fence, teepee, or a sturdy cornstalk. 3 Have a longer production time. Pole beans take slightly longer than bush beans to produce their crop, usually between 10 and 15 additional days. 4 Have a longer harvest. Pole beans draw a lot of energy from their vines and leaves, meaning they can continue producing beans over a period of time as long as one month, with continual harvesting. 5 Are more disease-resistant. Pole beans are slightly hardier than their bush bean relatives, and aren’t as susceptible to the range of diseases that can plague bush beans.
What is the best way to grow bush beans?
If your garden bed is compact, plant bush beans; if your vegetable garden has a lot of space (especially vertical space), pole beans are a better option. Support needs: Since bush beans grow short and sturdy, they don’t have any special support needs, while pole beans need a sturdy trellis or bamboo poles to grow up.
What diseases can bush beans get?
Bush beans can be susceptible to a wide variety of plant diseases and viruses, including powdery mildew, anthracnose, and mosaic virus (transmitted by aphids).
How long does it take for a bush bean to produce?
Bush beans mature slightly faster than pole beans, and are usually ready to harvest within 40 to 60 days of planting. Produce all their beans in two weeks. Bush beans generate all of their produce over a relatively short time period, usually within one to two weeks, after which the plant will cease to produce. Can be disease-prone.
What Are The Differences Between Pole Beans And Bush Beans?
Pole beans and bush beans are two different green beans, sometimes collectively referred to as snap beans or string beans.
What Soil Conditions Are Ideal For Pole Beans And Bush Beans?
Despite all the differences between pole beans and bush beans, they do share some similarities. For instance, both types of beans will thrive under specific growing conditions, particularly those related to the soil.
Companion Planting With Pole Beans and Bush Beans
Both pole and bush beans can be excellent companions for many plants although choosing which one to plant will depend on what your reason is.
How Long Does It Take To Harvest Pole Beans And Bush Beans?
Unfortunately, pole beans and bush beans grow at different rates. That difference will affect your harvesting schedule depending on which one you choose to grow.
Can You Grow Bush And Pole Beans Together?
Yes, you can grow bush beans and pole beans together. Planting them side-by-side is perfectly fine, and both plants will grow optimally as long as their needs are met.
Do Pole Beans Taste The Same As Bush Beans?
When choosing between growing pole or bush beans, you might wonder if there’s a difference in taste. Unfortunately, the answer to that question isn’t so straightforward.
Bottom Line: Pole Beans Or Bush Beans?
After considering all of the above, which ones should you grow? Would pole beans be a better option, or would you be happier growing bush beans instead?
Bush bean vs Pole bean: When to sow seeds (beans)?
We can start Bush Beans from seed about 2 weeks before the last frost date.
Add compost and mulch to your bush and pole beans
I like to use raised beds for bush beans because it makes harvesting easier! I also mix compost/manure into the soil before planting my seeds; this helps them grow healthier and produce more food!
Bush Beans vs Pole Beans Spacing
Bush beans spacing: Once your bed is prepped, go ahead and sow those seeds 1″-2″ apart and 1″ deep (but no more than that). Then water the plants well.
Bush beans vs pole beans- Days to maturity
Bush beans take about 50 days while pole beans take around 70-80 days.
How often do you harvest bush beans and pole beans?
The average is about 50-60 days for bush beans to be ready for harvesting.
Varieties of bush beans to try
a bush variety that is resistant to various diseases and can be planted in cool weather. Beans are grey-green with an oval shape. It will take about 55 days for this to become ready to harvest. Good for freezing or canning, seeds stay tender even if you let them grow past their prime.
Pole bean varieties to try
Even though Scarlet Runner bean isn’t a true pole bean. It does grow like a vine. It is a sweet bean that is an old English variety. It has a soft texture with a light nutty flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. Scarlet runner beans are also great in salads! They grow to 15ft tall and can take 80-100 days to become ready for harvest.
What are the two types of green beans?
If you’re deciding what to grow, there are two basic types of green beans: bush beans and pole beans, also known as runner beans. As you might expect, bush beans are low growing and pole beans need support and grow tall. Here are some characteristics of each:
How to grow runner beans?
If you’re planting pole beans to grow in a teepee fashion, use bamboo poles at least 7 feet tall and group 4-6 seeds at the base of each pole. Tie string around the poles to halfway up so the beans have something to grab onto on their way up. You might have also heard of runner beans, which are more or less pole beans. Bush beans don’t need as much support, they will simply bush out.
Can you grow pole beans in a container?
Bush beans and pole beans both grow well in containers. Because beans are a warm-weather plant, if your region has particularly cold springs where soil temperatures don’t warm up until late, container growing may be the solution. You can set the bean plants out for sun during the day and bring them in at night for protection until nighttime air temperatures are warm enough to keep them out overnight—65 to 85 degrees F.
Can you plant beets and pole beans together?
There are some plants that don’t play well with green beans. Pole beans and beets should not be planted together because they stunt each other’s growth. Bush beans and beets get along fine, though. Also, avoid planting green beans near members of the onion, or allium, family. Onions, scallions, garlic, and leeks exude a substance that kills beneficial bacteria on bean roots, stunting growth and blocking green beans from adding nitrogen to the soil. Sunflowers would seem to be perfect green bean companions, acting as poles like corn, but sunflowers give off a chemical compound that inhibits green bean growth. Both pole beans and bush beans can benefit from that advice. And on one last cheery note, pole beans growing near peppers can spread and latch onto the peppers, choking them, so avoid that too.
How tall do pole beans grow?
In general, pole beans grow to around 5 or 6 feet, but depending on the species, can get as tall as 10 foot! Bush beans are much smaller, averaging around 1 to 2 feet. This means that pole beans need extra support, usually in the form of a trellis, whilst bush beans can usually hold each other up. Bush Beans.
How long does it take for bush beans to mature?
When it comes to picking the crops, which type you’ve chosen will affect the timing and amount of produce. Bush beans have shorter seasons –they’re usually fully mature within 50-60 days, but they only produce once, meaning once you’ve picked them, that’s it. You can ensure multiple crops through succession planting (that’s where you plant them a couple of weeks apart to ensure they mature at different times).
Do pole beans stop producing?
If you stop, however, they will stop producing so they require a lot more attention at this point than bush beans do. Additionally, despite the extra effort pole beans require, they are often easier to pick – you can see them easily, and, thanks to the height, it won’t involve as much bending and kneeling to do so.
Do pole beans need ground space?
Another important aspect is the size of the plant and the space you’ll need. If you have quite a small garden, you should probably consider pole beans as they grow vertically – meaning you don’t need much ground space. However, if you prefer a neat, low-growing garden, then bush beans are probably better suited.
Do pole beans grow in shade?
Bush beans prefer warmer summers and lots of sunlight, whilst pole beans thrive in cooler temperatures and can handle some shade.
Do pole beans need water?
In contrast, pole beans need more attention as they need training onto the pole or trellis. They’re much fussier about water, as they need soil that does not dry out, but is never soggy either, and it’s almost certainly worth adding some fertilizer in too!
Can you grow blue lake bean and blue lake bean?
Some varieties of bean come in both types! You could get one of these varieties – the Blue Lake bean is a good example – and test out which you prefer and find easier to grow. Spending a year growing both and figuring out which suits you more is always a good way to choose, plus you can test a few different varieties for flavor at the same time!
Where do black beans come from?
How to Grow Black Beans | Guide to Growing Black Beans. Black Turtle Beans are native to Mexico, and have long been a part of the cuisines of Central and South America. Great for soups, burritos and other dishes, black beans have a meaty texture and are rich in antioxidants. The distinct shiny black seeds are resistant to disease ...
How long do beans need to grow?
They will rot in cool, damp soil. Even so, many beans require a long growing season of 80 days or more .
What is the best indicator of snap beans?
Perhaps the best simple indicator for snap beans is the diameter of the pods.
Why do beans need to be upside down?
If experiencing a spell of rain late in the season once pods have matured, plants can be removed from ground and hung upside down indoors to allow dessication to continue. SAVING SEEDS.
Can beans get wet?
When watering, try to avoid getting the leaves wet as this can promote fungus or other damaging conditions that beans can be susceptible to. Most types of beans are somewhat drought resistant, but check the surface of the soil frequently and water when the top layer has become dried out.
Do runners beans die back?
Runner beans are perennial, but are frost sensitive, so die back in our climate. However, if the roots are dug up and kept in suitable conditions, the plants often get away early and crop faster. If you grow a lot of beans, this may not be a practical option, but you could try it with one or two plants perhaps.
Which shall you grow?
You can grow both types in the same garden. Just make sure that you plant different varieties of each so that they don’t cross-pollinate. If you do this, you’ll need to wait until fall before eating any of your beans because that’s when seed saving begins.
Which type is best for the garden?
If you want to grow a vegetable garden but don’t have much space, then bush beans might be the way to go. Their compact size makes them perfect for small spaces and container growing.
Differences
The main difference between bush beans and pole beans is how they grow — and how much space they take up when they do so.
Points to understand
The first thing to understand about bush beans is that they’re not a single type of plant. There are many kinds of bush beans, and most of them produce squat and rounded pods rather than long and thin like pole beans.
Growing conditions
Bush beans grow best in cool weather and prefer soil with good drainage. They grow well in raised beds that have been amended with compost or manure. If they have good drainage holes, Bush beans may also be grown in containers.
Amount of Care
Beans need full sun and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Harvest
Harvest bean plants when pods are full and green, but before they turn yellow. Beans left on the vine will continue to ripen, but the beans inside will lose their flavour and become tough and stringy.
