Dragon Tongue Bush Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue'
A stunning Dutch heirloom that produces cream-colored pods beautifully streaked with purple flames, making it as ornamental as it is delicious. These flat Romano-type beans offer exceptional flavor with a tender, meaty texture that's perfect for fresh eating. The striking appearance makes them a conversation starter in both the garden and on the dinner plate.
Harvest
60-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Dragon Tongue Bush Bean in USDA Zone 7
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Dragon Tongue Bush Bean · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
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
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical America
Advantages
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Seeds): Medium severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigold
Repels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters bean beetles
Summer Savory
Repels bean beetles and aphids, may improve bean flavor and growth
Rosemary
Deters bean beetles, Mexican bean beetles, and carrot flies
Carrots
Beans fix nitrogen for carrots, carrots help loosen soil for bean roots
Corn
Provides natural trellis support, beans fix nitrogen for corn
Squash
Ground cover reduces weeds, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
Catnip
Repels aphids, ants, and flea beetles that commonly attack beans
Keep Apart
Onions
Inhibits bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
Garlic
Stunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial rhizobia bacteria
Fennel
Inhibits growth of beans through allelopathic compounds
Sunflowers
Competes heavily for nutrients and water, may shade climbing beans excessively
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good general disease tolerance typical of bush beans
Common Pests
Bean beetles, aphids, leafhoppers
Diseases
Bacterial blight, rust, common mosaic virus