Provider Bush
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider'
The ultimate beginner's green bean, specifically bred for reliability and performance in challenging growing conditions. This hardy bush variety tolerates cool weather better than most beans and produces heavy yields of tender, stringless pods even when other varieties struggle. Perfect for northern gardeners and anyone who wants a foolproof bean that delivers consistent results.
Harvest
50-57d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Very Easy
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Provider Bush in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 bean →Zone Map
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Provider Bush · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
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 Provider Bush beans store best in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag, maintaining quality for 7-10 days. Don't wash until ready to use, and avoid storing at room temperature, which causes rapid deterioration.
For freezing, blanch whole beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly and freeze in portions. Provider Bush beans freeze exceptionally well due to their tender texture, maintaining quality for 8-10 months.
For canning, use a pressure canner following tested recipes — beans are low-acid and require pressure processing for safety. Cut into 1-2 inch pieces and process according to altitude-adjusted guidelines. This variety's consistent tenderness makes it excellent for canning, as it maintains good texture after processing.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical America
Advantages
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Seeds): Medium severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigold
Repels Mexican bean beetles, aphids, and other harmful insects
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters squash bugs
Carrots
Helps loosen soil for bean roots, beans provide nitrogen for carrot growth
Corn
Provides natural support structure for climbing varieties, classical Three Sisters companion
Summer Squash
Large leaves provide ground cover and moisture retention, completes Three Sisters planting
Cucumber
Benefits from nitrogen fixed by beans, similar water and soil requirements
Radishes
Quick harvest breaks up soil, doesn't compete for nutrients, repels cucumber beetles
Rosemary
Repels Mexican bean beetles and carrot flies
Keep Apart
Onions
Can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation capabilities
Garlic
Stunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial root bacteria
Sunflowers
Allelopathic compounds inhibit bean germination and growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346400)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to bean mosaic virus, bacterial blight, and rust
Common Pests
Bean beetles, aphids (less susceptible than most)
Diseases
White mold (in humid conditions)