HeirloomContainer OK

Purple Podded Bush Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Podded'

A stunning heirloom variety that produces vibrant purple pods that turn green when cooked, making it both ornamental and delicious in the garden. These eye-catching plants are incredibly easy to harvest since the colorful pods stand out dramatically against the green foliage. Beyond their beauty, these beans offer excellent flavor and are perfect for gardeners who want something unique and conversation-worthy.

Harvest

55-60d

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 Purple Podded Bush Bean in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 bean →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Purple Podded Bush Bean · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing4-6 inches

SoilWell-drained garden soil, tolerates average conditions

pH6.0-7.5

Water1 inch per week, moderate water needs

SeasonWarm season

FlavorClassic green bean flavor, tender and mild

ColorDeep purple pods (turn green when cooked)

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 Purple Podded Bush Beans maintain peak quality for 5-7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Place unwashed beans in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer at 32-40°F with high humidity. Avoid washing until ready to use, as excess moisture promotes decay.

For freezing, blanch whole pods in boiling water for 3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly and package in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Properly frozen beans maintain quality for 8-12 months.

Pickling works exceptionally well with these beans due to their firm texture. Use a standard dilly bean recipe within 24 hours of harvest for best results. You can also can them using a pressure canner following USDA guidelines for low-acid vegetables.

To save seeds, allow pods to fully mature and dry on the plant until they turn brown and rattle. Shell the dried beans and store in airtight containers in a cool, dry location for up to 3 years of viability.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Seeds): Medium severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Carrots

Improve soil structure and don't compete for nutrients with beans

Corn

Provides natural support structure and benefits from nitrogen fixation

Cucumber

Compatible root systems and beans provide nitrogen for cucumber growth

Radishes

Break up soil for bean roots and mature quickly without competition

Summer Savory

Repels bean beetles and may improve bean flavor and growth

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

Lettuce

Shallow roots don't compete and benefits from bean's nitrogen fixation

Keep Apart

Onions

Can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation due to sulfur compounds

Garlic

Allelopathic compounds can stunt bean growth and reduce yields

Sunflowers

Compete heavily for nutrients and water, may shade out beans

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

Standard heirloom disease resistance

Common Pests

Mexican bean beetle, aphids, cucumber beetles

Diseases

Bacterial blight, white mold, bean mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

Do purple podded bush beans stay purple when cooked?▼

No, Purple Podded Bush Beans turn bright green when cooked, just like regular green beans. The purple color comes from anthocyanin pigments that break down when exposed to heat. While this disappoints some gardeners, the beans retain their excellent flavor and tender texture. The purple color is primarily valuable for easier harvesting and ornamental appeal in the garden.

How long do purple podded bush beans take to grow?▼

Purple Podded Bush Beans mature in 55-60 days from direct seeding to first harvest. You'll see flowers appearing around 35-40 days after planting, with pods developing quickly afterward. For continuous production, succession plant every 2-3 weeks. The compact bush habit means they produce most of their crop over a concentrated 3-4 week period.

Can you grow purple podded bush beans in containers?▼

Yes, Purple Podded Bush Beans excel in containers due to their compact growth habit. Use containers at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide, with drainage holes. Plant 6-8 seeds per large pot, spacing them 4 inches apart. Container plants may need more frequent watering but often produce earlier than garden-planted beans due to warmer soil temperatures.

Are purple podded bush beans good for beginners?▼

Purple Podded Bush Beans are excellent for beginning gardeners. They're extremely forgiving, require no staking, tolerate average soil conditions, and the colorful pods make it obvious when harvest time arrives. They're also fast-growing and self-pollinating, so beginners see quick, reliable results. The main requirement is waiting for warm soil before planting.

What do purple podded bush beans taste like?▼

Purple Podded Bush Beans have a classic green bean flavor – mild, slightly sweet, and tender when harvested young. The taste is indistinguishable from regular green bush beans. The purple coloring doesn't affect flavor at all. When cooked properly, they're crisp-tender with a clean, fresh taste that works well in stir-fries, steaming, or fresh eating.

When should I plant purple podded bush beans?▼

Plant Purple Podded Bush Beans when soil temperature reaches 60°F and all frost danger has passed. This typically occurs 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In most regions, this means late May to early June. Planting in cold soil below 60°F will cause seeds to rot. Use a soil thermometer to check temperature at 2-inch depth for accuracy.