Bush Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Also called dwarf bean, dwarf french bean
Bush beans are compact annual beans that need full sun and are sown directly outdoors once the soil has warmed. Pods are usually ready about 50 to 60 days after sowing.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 7–10 days
- Germination temperature
- 21–32 °C70–90 °F
- Sowing depth
- Not yet verified
- Spacing between plants
- 8–10 cm3¼–4 in
- Days to maturity
- 50–60 days from sowing
- Sun
- Full sun
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About bush bean
Bush beans and pole beans are both Phaseolus vulgaris. Wild forms are annual, twining climbers, and many selected varieties are dwarf. Bush types grow about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm) tall and do not need a climbing support.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- Not yet verified
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Moderate
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- 30–61 cm1–2 ft
- Spread
- Not yet verified
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sowing timeline
Bush bean from seed to maturity
Counted in days from the day you sow.
- Germination temperature
- 21–32 °C70–90 °F
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
02 · How to grow
How to grow bush bean from seed
Sow bush beans directly outdoors after the last frost, because the plants are tender and frost damages them. Plant when daytime soil temperatures average at least 60 °F (16 °C). Seeds germinate best when the soil is 70–90 °F (21–32 °C), and seedlings usually emerge in 7 to 10 days when the soil is 65–85 °F (18–29 °C).
Sowing depth is given differently by each guide. One recommends planting about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, another 1 to 1½ inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) deep, and a third says to cover the seed with ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) of soil. Space rows 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart. After the seedlings come up, thin bush snap beans to 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) apart.
For a continuous harvest, sow again every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July. Bush beans take about 50 to 60 days from sowing to harvest.
03 · Care
Caring for bush bean
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially while the plants flower, so the pods fill out well. Plants need about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, more during flowering and pod growth. Don’t overwater, because wet soil promotes root rot. Extra nitrogen fertilizer can delay flowering, and beans fix nitrogen themselves once their roots are established. Pull weeds while they are small and mulch on each side of the row to keep weed seeds from sprouting.
At a glance
How bush bean compares with other vegetables
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Vegetables on SeedBattle.
- Bush Bean
- Each of the other vegetables
- Their average
- Germination timeSprouts sooner than average
7–10 days
Average for vegetables: 10 days, from 39 other seeds
- Days to maturityMatures sooner than average
50–60 days from sowing
Average for vegetables: 65 days, from 17 other seeds
- Germination temperatureWarmer than average
21–32 °C70–90 °F
Average for vegetables: 22 °C72 °F, from 38 other seeds
- Spacing between plantsCloser than average
8–10 cm3¼–4 in
Average for vegetables: 35 cm14 in, from 43 other seeds
- HeightShorter than average
30–61 cm1–2 ft
Average for vegetables: 94 cm3 ft, from 57 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common bush bean problems
Watch for Mexican bean beetles, spider mites and bacterial blight, among other problems. Flowers can drop when it is hot, above 95 °F (35 °C), and dry. Pods become stringy when plants are under heat or water stress. One guide reports no significant problems for this plant.
05 · Harvest
Harvesting bush bean
Pick snap beans while the pods are young and firm, about the thickness of a pencil and 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. Pick regularly to keep the plants producing. Pods are ready about 7 to 14 days after flowering.
06 · Storage
Storing bush bean
Keep beans in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper, where they stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. A perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator keeps them up to one week. Beans freeze well after blanching for one minute in boiling water and cooling in ice water.
07 · Safety
Bush Bean safety
Never eat raw or undercooked beans.
Bush Bean questions
How long do bush bean seeds take to come up?
Seedlings usually emerge in 7 to 10 days when the soil is 65–85 °F (18–29 °C).
Can I grow bush beans in a pot?
Yes, bush beans are suitable for containers, while pole beans need a climbing trellis.
When should I plant bush beans outdoors?
Sow them after the last frost date, when daytime soil temperatures average at least 60 °F (16 °C).
How many days until bush beans are ready to pick?
Bush beans usually take 50 to 60 days from direct sowing to harvest.
Quick answers
More bush bean questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How far apart should I plant bush bean?
Space the plants 8–10 cm3¼–4 in apart.
How much sun does bush bean need?
Bush bean grows in full sun.
What temperature do bush bean seeds need to sprout?
Bush bean seeds germinate at 21–32 °C70–90 °F.
How tall does bush bean grow?
Bush bean grows 30–61 cm1–2 ft tall.
Can bush bean survive frost?
No. Bush bean is tender, so it can't take frost.
Is bush bean an annual or a perennial?
Bush bean is an annual.
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