Heirloom

Yard Long Bean

Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis

An exotic Asian climbing bean that produces dramatically long, slender pods up to 3 feet in length, creating a stunning conversation piece in any garden. Also known as Chinese long beans or asparagus beans, these vigorous vines are heat-loving and incredibly productive in warm climates. The tender young pods have a unique flavor that's nuttier and more complex than regular green beans, making them prized in Asian cuisine.

Harvest

80-90d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

11–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

5-10 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Yard Long Bean in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 bean →

Zone Map

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Yard Long Bean · Zones 11–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilWell-drained sandy loam, tolerates poor soils

pH5.5-6.8

WaterModerate — regular watering

SeasonSpring and Summer

FlavorNutty, slightly sweet, more complex than regular green beans

ColorLight to medium green, some purple varieties

Size12-36 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	September – October
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	August – October
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	August – September
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	July – September
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	June – August
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	June – July

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits are 10 to 18 inches long. Various cultivars are available: some with green fruits and others with purple or burgundy fruits.

Color: Green, Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy. Type: Legume. Length: > 3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Fruits are edible when immature. The seeds can be harvested for dried beans.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh yard long beans store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer, wrapped loosely in perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity while preventing condensation. They'll maintain peak quality for 4-5 days, though they remain edible for up to a week. Avoid washing before storage—clean just before use.

For freezing, blanch whole pods in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Cut into 2-inch segments before freezing in portions sized for single meals. Properly blanched yard long beans maintain good texture for 8-10 months frozen.

Dehydrating works exceptionally well with these beans—slice into thin rounds and dry at 125°F until brittle. The dried beans rehydrate beautifully in soups and stews. For fermentation, cut pods into 3-inch lengths and lacto-ferment with salt brine, creating a tangy pickle popular in Southeast Asian cuisine.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical Africa

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Drought, Heat, Humidity, Poor Soil
+Attracts: Twining
+Edible: Fruits are edible when immature. The seeds can be harvested for dried beans.
+Fast-growing
+Low maintenance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Marigold

Repels bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects

Basil

Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack beans

Corn

Provides natural support structure for climbing beans while beans fix nitrogen for corn

Cucumber

Compatible growth habits and beans improve soil nitrogen for cucumbers

Radish

Breaks up soil for bean roots and deters cucumber beetles

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and bean beetles while attracting beneficial predators

Summer Squash

Ground cover reduces weeds and retains moisture for bean roots

Catnip

Repels aphids, ants, and flea beetles that damage bean plants

Keep Apart

Onion

Inhibits bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions

Garlic

Stunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial rhizobia bacteria

Fennel

Produces allelopathic compounds that 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, resistant to many bean diseases

Common Pests

Bean pod borer, aphids, spider mites, cowpea curculio

Diseases

Bacterial blight, rust, mosaic virus, root rot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do yard long beans take to grow from seed?▼

Yard long beans take 80-90 days from seed to first harvest. They'll begin flowering around 55-65 days, with pods ready to pick 10-14 days after flowering appears. In optimal warm conditions (80-85°F days), they may mature slightly faster, while cooler summers can extend the timeline by 1-2 weeks.

Can you grow yard long beans in containers?▼

Yes, but use large containers (minimum 20 gallons) and install 8-foot tall supports. The extensive root system and vigorous climbing habit require substantial space. Choose dwarf varieties if available, or be prepared to prune growing tips regularly to manage size in smaller containers.

What do yard long beans taste like compared to regular green beans?▼

Yard long beans have a more complex, nutty flavor with subtle asparagus notes, unlike the grassy taste of regular green beans. The texture is slightly chewier but more substantial, making them excellent for stir-frying where they hold their shape well and don't become mushy.

When should I plant yard long beans?▼

Plant yard long beans only after soil temperature reaches 70°F consistently, typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In most areas, this means late April to early June. These beans are extremely sensitive to cold soil and simply won't germinate in temperatures below 65°F.

Are yard long beans good for beginner gardeners?▼

They're moderate difficulty—easier than tomatoes but trickier than bush beans. The main challenges are timing the planting for warm enough soil, providing adequate support structures, and learning the narrow harvest window. Once established, they're quite forgiving and productive.

How do you know when yard long beans are ready to harvest?▼

Harvest when pods reach 12-18 inches long but remain pencil-thick, with smooth skin and barely visible seed outlines. They should bend easily without breaking. Check daily once flowering starts—pods can go from perfect to tough in just 2-3 days during hot weather.