Green Bean at a glance
| Botanical name | Phaseolus vulgaris |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Other names | snap bean, green bean, bush bean, pole bean |
| Plant type | Vegetable; annual |
| Size | Bush types about 2 feet tall; pole types climb 6 feet or more |
| Light | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun) |
| Water | Water evenly, especially when plants flower and form pods. |
| Soil | Well-drained soil; beans do not need rich feeding. |
| USDA hardiness zones | Grown as a summer annual in every zone. |
| USDA PLANTS symbol | PHVU |
When to plant green bean
Sow seeds outdoors around your last spring frost date, once the soil is warm.
Turn these into real dates for your area with the planting calendar.
How to grow green bean
- Sow seeds about 1 inch deep in warm soil.
- Set up a trellis or poles first for pole beans.
- Water evenly; avoid wetting the leaves.
- Pick pods young and often to keep plants producing.
- Sow bush beans again every few weeks for a longer harvest.
Water and soil
Water: Water evenly, especially when plants flower and form pods.
Soil: Well-drained soil; beans do not need rich feeding.
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun).
Common problems
- Seeds rot in the ground
- Cold, wet soil. Wait until the soil warms.
- Mexican bean beetle
- Lacy holes in leaves. Hand-pick the beetles and larvae.
Is green bean safe for cats and dogs?
Not listed
Not listed
Green Bean is not on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists for cats and dogs.
NC State Extension rates its poison severity for people and animals as medium.
If a pet chews a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may apply). For people, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
Can you eat green bean?
Pods and beans are eaten cooked. NC State warns that raw or undercooked dry beans, especially kidney beans, cause stomach upset; cook them well.
Green Bean questions
When should I plant green beans?
Sow them around your average last spring frost date once the soil is warm. Beans rot in cold soil.
Do green beans need a trellis?
Bush beans do not. Pole beans need poles, a trellis or netting to climb.
Are bean plants toxic to pets?
Garden beans are not on the ASPCA's plant lists. NC State notes raw dry beans are poisonous if eaten uncooked. Ask your vet before feeding beans to pets.
Sources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Phaseolus vulgaris (size, light, soil, zones, poison rating)
- USDA PLANTS Database profile: Phaseolus vulgaris L. (accepted name)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to cats
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs
- Colorado State University Extension: Vegetable Planting Guide
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
