Best Beans & Legumes to Grow in North Dakota
North Dakota spans USDA Zones 3–5, typically Zone 4. We've broken out 84 bean varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
84
for North Dakota
USDA
Zones 3–5
120–155 days season
Beginner
60
easy to grow
Heirloom
61
heritage varieties
North Dakota in USDA Zones 3–5
North Dakota spans Zones 3–5. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Beans & Legumes in North Dakota
Zone 4 presents both opportunities and challenges for bean growers. The 135-day growing season from mid-May to late September is plenty long for most bean varieties, but the key is choosing cultivars that can handle cooler soil temperatures and don't need excessive heat to thrive. Cool, wet springs are common in Zone 4, which can cause beans to rot before germinating, while early fall frosts can cut short late-season harvests.
The secret to success lies in selecting fast-maturing bush varieties for reliable harvests and cold-tolerant heirlooms that have been selected for northern conditions. Look for beans with maturity dates of 50-65 days for bush types and 65-75 days for pole beans. Varieties like Cherokee Trail of Tears and Provider Bush have proven themselves in challenging northern climates, while modern varieties like Blue Lake Bush 274 offer disease resistance that's crucial in Zone 4's variable weather. These selections give you the best chance of beating both spring soil issues and fall frosts.
Zone 4 Beans & Legumes for North Dakota★ Most of ND
84 varieties · Last frost May 10 · 135-day season
Zone 3 Beans & Legumes for North Dakota
84 varieties · Last frost May 15 · 120-day season
Zone 5 Beans & Legumes for North Dakota
84 varieties · Last frost April 30 · 155-day season
Zone 4 Growing Tips for North Dakota
Never rush bean planting in Zone 4 – soil temperature is more critical than calendar dates. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F, typically 1-2 weeks after your last frost date of May 10th. This usually means late May planting, though you can start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks early in peat pots for transplanting if you're careful not to disturb roots. For succession planting, sow bush beans every 2 weeks through early July to ensure continuous harvests before September's first frost.
Cold, wet soil is your biggest enemy in Zone 4. Improve drainage by planting in raised beds or mounded rows, and consider using black plastic mulch to warm soil faster. If late spring rains threaten, wait rather than plant into soggy conditions – beans planted June 1st in good conditions will outperform those planted May 20th in cold, wet soil. For season extension, have row covers ready for unexpected late spring or early fall cold snaps, and focus on fast-maturing bush varieties for your main crop insurance.