Pinto Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Pinto beans are a warm-season dry bean from the common bean species, grown from seed in full sun. Sow them after the danger of frost has passed, once the soil has warmed.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 7–10 days
- Germination temperature
- 18–29 °C64–84 °F
- Sowing depth
- Not yet verified
- Spacing between plants
- Not yet verified
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About pinto bean
Pinto beans are dry beans grown from the common bean species, Phaseolus vulgaris. The plant is an annual twining climber and a warm-season vegetable. The species comes from the tropical regions of the Americas.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- Not yet verified
- Sow outdoors
- At the last frost
- Water
- Moderate
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- Not yet verified
- Spread
- Not yet verified
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sowing timeline
When to sow pinto bean seeds
Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.
- Germination time
- 7–10 days
- Germination temperature
- 18–29 °C64–84 °F
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
02 · How to grow
How to grow pinto bean from seed
Sowing. Sow after the danger of frost has passed. Wait until the soil is above 60 °F (16 °C) before planting. Plant seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) apart, in rows 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart. Other advice is to cover the seed with ¼ to ½ inch (6 to 13 mm) of soil or compost.
Germination. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days when the soil is 65 to 85 °F (18 to 29 °C).
Site. Pinto beans need full sun, meaning 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. They grow best in fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter. Bush types need no support, while climbing types need a trellis or poles.
03 · Care
Caring for pinto bean
Watering. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering. Water more often once pods start to form.
Feeding. Beans usually need little extra fertilizer if an all-purpose fertilizer and compost were added at planting. Beans fix part of their own nitrogen from the air. Extra nitrogen encourages leafy growth, delays flowering and reduces pod set.
At a glance
How pinto bean compares with other vegetables
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Vegetables on SeedBattle.
- Pinto 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
- Germination temperatureAbout average
18–29 °C64–84 °F
Average for vegetables: 23 °C73 °F, from 38 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common pinto bean problems
Heat and flowers. Hot, dry weather above 95 °F (35 °C) can make plants drop their flowers.
Pests. Mexican bean beetles can damage young plants; dust small plants with an appropriate insecticide.
05 · Harvest
Harvesting pinto bean
Dry pods. For dry beans, wait until the pods are yellow and dry. Pods should stay on the plant until they are dry and brown. Pull up the plants and lay them in a row in the garden for 5 to 7 days, then remove the pods and shell the seeds.
06 · Storage
Storing pinto bean
Store dry, shelled beans in sealed containers in a cool, dry place for long-term storage.
07 · Safety
Pinto Bean safety
Never eat raw or undercooked beans.
Pinto Bean questions
When should I plant pinto beans?
Sow them after the danger of frost has passed. Wait until the soil is above 60 °F (16 °C).
How long do pinto beans take to germinate?
Seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days when the soil is 65 to 85 °F (18 to 29 °C).
Can I grow pinto beans in a pot?
Bush types are suitable for containers. Check that the variety you choose is a bush type.
How deep should I plant pinto bean seeds?
One inch (2.5 cm) deep is the recommendation given. Another suggestion is ¼ to ½ inch (6 to 13 mm) of soil cover.
Do pinto beans need extra fertilizer?
Usually not, if compost and an all-purpose fertilizer were added at planting. Beans also fix some of their own nitrogen.
Quick answers
More pinto bean questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How much sun does pinto bean need?
Pinto bean grows in full sun.
What temperature do pinto bean seeds need to sprout?
Pinto bean seeds germinate at 18–29 °C64–84 °F.
Can pinto bean survive frost?
No. Pinto bean is tender, so it can't take frost.
Is pinto bean an annual or a perennial?
Pinto bean is an annual.
How much water does pinto bean need?
Pinto bean has moderate water needs.
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