Heirloom

Rattlesnake Pole Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Rattlesnake'

A striking heirloom pole bean featuring distinctive purple streaks and mottled patterns that resemble rattlesnake markings, making it as ornamental as it is productive. This heat-tolerant Southern favorite produces abundant harvests of tender, flavorful pods throughout the summer, even in challenging growing conditions. The vigorous vines not only provide delicious beans but also create an eye-catching display in the garden with their unique coloration.

Harvest

70-75d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Moderate

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Rattlesnake Pole Bean in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 bean →

Zone Map

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Rattlesnake Pole Bean · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates poor soils better than most beans

pH6.0-7.5

Water1-1.5 inches per week, drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season

FlavorRich, full-bodied bean flavor with excellent texture

ColorLight green with distinctive purple streaks and mottling

Size6-8 inches long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

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

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 Rattlesnake pole beans store best unwashed in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator crisper drawer, maintaining quality for 5-7 days at 32-40°F with high humidity. For longer storage, blanch whole pods in boiling water for 3 minutes, shock in ice water, then freeze in sealed bags for up to 8 months – the unique purple streaking fades but flavor remains excellent.

For traditional preservation, these beans excel when pressure-canned using USDA guidelines, maintaining their full-bodied flavor through processing. Many Southern cooks prefer 'leather britches' – simply string fresh pods on heavy thread and hang in a dry, well-ventilated area until completely dehydrated. Rehydrate dried beans in seasoned broths for authentic mountain cooking. The mature seeds can also be dried for winter soup beans, developing a rich, nutty flavor when fully cured.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Seeds): Medium severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Corn

Provides natural pole support for climbing beans, classic Three Sisters companion

Squash

Large leaves suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, completes Three Sisters trio

Marigold

Repels Mexican bean beetles and other harmful insects

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

Carrots

Beans fix nitrogen that carrots utilize, carrots don't compete for space

Lettuce

Benefits from bean's nitrogen fixation and shade, efficient space usage

Radishes

Quick growing, loosens soil for bean roots, harvested before beans mature

Basil

Repels aphids and bean beetles, may enhance bean flavor

Keep Apart

Onions

May inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root compounds

Garlic

Can stunt bean growth and interfere with beneficial soil bacteria

Fennel

Allelopathic compounds inhibit bean germination and growth

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 heat tolerance, moderate disease resistance

Common Pests

Bean beetles, stink bugs, spider mites, aphids

Diseases

Bacterial blight, rust, anthracnose, mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Rattlesnake pole beans take to grow?▼

Rattlesnake pole beans typically take 70-75 days from planting to first harvest. The vines begin producing pods about 60 days after planting and continue producing for 6-8 weeks with regular harvesting. In warmer zones (7-9), they often produce until the first frost, making them excellent for extended harvests.

Can you grow Rattlesnake pole beans in containers?▼

Yes, but you'll need large containers at least 20 gallons with sturdy support structures. The vigorous vines can reach 8-10 feet tall and produce heavy pod loads. Use a trellis or strong pole system, and ensure consistent watering since containers dry out faster. Production may be somewhat reduced compared to garden plantings.

What do Rattlesnake pole beans taste like?▼

Rattlesnake pole beans offer a rich, full-bodied flavor that's more robust than typical green beans, with excellent meaty texture. They maintain their firmness when cooked and have a slightly nutty undertone. The flavor intensifies when preserved, making them particularly prized for traditional Southern cooking and succotash recipes.

When should I plant Rattlesnake pole beans?▼

Plant Rattlesnake pole beans 2-3 weeks after your last frost date when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F consistently. In zones 7-9, plant from late April through mid-July for succession harvests. Northern gardeners (zones 4-6) should plant in late May to early June, allowing the full 70-75 days before fall frost.

Are Rattlesnake pole beans good for beginners?▼

Rattlesnake pole beans are moderately challenging for beginners due to their need for substantial support structures and proper timing. However, once established, they're quite forgiving and heat-tolerant. New gardeners should focus on building adequate support systems and learning proper harvesting timing to maintain production.

Do Rattlesnake pole beans need a lot of water?▼

These beans need consistent moisture (about 1 inch weekly) but are more drought-tolerant than most bean varieties once established. Water at soil level to prevent fungal diseases, and maintain steady moisture during flowering and pod development. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and reduced production.