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Burpee's Stringless Green Pod

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Burpee's Stringless Green Pod'

A beloved heirloom introduced in 1894 that revolutionized bean growing by being one of the first truly stringless varieties available to home gardeners. These productive plants produce tender, meaty pods with exceptional flavor that remains consistent throughout the harvest season. A perfect choice for gardeners seeking reliable, old-fashioned quality with the convenience of modern stringless technology.

Harvest

50-55d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Easy

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Burpee's Stringless Green Pod in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Burpee's Stringless Green Pod · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing4-6 inches

SoilWell-drained, moderately fertile garden soil

pH6.0-7.5

Water1 inch per week, deep watering preferred

SeasonWarm season

FlavorRich, meaty texture with sweet, classic bean flavor

ColorLight to medium green

Size5-6 inches long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	August – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	August – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	August – September
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	July – September
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	July – August
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	June – August
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	May – July
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	May – June

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter. Drainage: Good Drainage. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Rattlesnake'Pole Snap Bean, 'Rattlesnake'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The boat-shaped seed pods are bilaterally symmetrical and can be green, yellow, white, or purple at maturity. There is a wide variety of color and shape choices among cultivars.

Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Purple/Lavender, White. Type: Legume. Length: > 3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Burpee's Stringless Green Pod beans store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to one week. Don't wash them until ready to use, as excess moisture promotes decay. For longer storage, these beans excel at freezing – blanch whole pods in boiling water for 3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly and freeze in portion-sized bags for up to 8 months.

This variety is excellent for water-bath canning using tested recipes from the USDA guidelines. The meaty texture holds up well to the canning process, making them perfect for three-bean salads and side dishes. For pressure canning, process pint jars for 20 minutes at 11 pounds of pressure (adjust for altitude).

Let some pods mature fully on the plant if you want to save seeds for next year's crop. The pods will turn yellow-brown and rattle when shaken. Shell out the dried beans and store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Seeds): Medium severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Marigold

Repels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters bean beetles

Carrot

Loosens soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients

Cucumber

Beans fix nitrogen that cucumbers can utilize, compatible root systems

Corn

Provides natural trellis support, beans fix nitrogen for corn

Summer Squash

Large leaves provide ground shade and moisture retention for bean roots

Rosemary

Repels Mexican bean beetles and carrot rust flies

Lettuce

Benefits from nitrogen fixed by beans, harvested before beans need full space

Keep Apart

Onion

Can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root compounds

Fennel

Produces allelopathic compounds that stunt bean growth and development

Sunflower

Competes heavily for nutrients and water, may release growth-inhibiting chemicals

Nutrition Facts

Protein

1.97g(4%)

Fiber

3.01g(11%)

Carbs

7.41g(3%)

Fat

0.275g(0%)

Vitamin K

43.9mcg(37%)

Iron

0.652mg(4%)

Calcium

40mg(3%)

Potassium

290mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346400)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good general disease tolerance typical of adapted heirlooms

Common Pests

Mexican bean beetle, aphids, cucumber beetles, spider mites

Diseases

Bacterial blight, bean mosaic virus, anthracnose, rust

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Burpee's Stringless Green Pod take to grow?▼

Burpee's Stringless Green Pod beans mature in 50-55 days from planting to first harvest. The plants produce pods over a 2-3 week concentrated period, making this variety excellent for succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

Can you grow Burpee's Stringless Green Pod in containers?▼

Yes, this compact bush variety grows excellently in containers. Use pots at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide for best results. Plant 4-6 seeds per large container and ensure adequate drainage. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering but often produce cleaner pods since they're elevated off the ground.

Is Burpee's Stringless Green Pod good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. This variety is considered one of the easiest beans for beginning gardeners due to its reliable germination, disease resistance, and forgiving nature. The bush habit requires no staking, and the stringless pods eliminate the need for tedious preparation. Its 130-year track record proves its adaptability to various growing conditions.

What does Burpee's Stringless Green Pod taste like?▼

This heirloom variety offers a rich, meaty texture with sweet, classic bean flavor that's more robust than many modern varieties. The pods have substantial thickness without being tough, and the flavor intensifies when cooked. Many gardeners describe it as having the 'old-fashioned bean taste' that's been bred out of some commercial varieties.

When should I plant Burpee's Stringless Green Pod beans?▼

Plant 1-2 weeks after your last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. In most areas, this means late April to mid-May. For continuous harvest, make succession plantings every 2-3 weeks through mid-July. In hot climates, pause during peak summer and resume planting in late summer for fall harvest.

Can I save seeds from Burpee's Stringless Green Pod beans?▼

Yes, as a true heirloom variety, Burpee's Stringless Green Pod produces seeds that grow true to type. Allow some pods to fully mature on the plant until they turn brown and rattle. Shell out the dried beans and store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 3-4 years.