Days to Maturity: Approximately 50-60 days from direct sowing to first harvest (pods ready when young and crisp).
Sun Needs: Full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily—essential for strong growth, pod production, and flavor development in Utah's sunny, hot summers.
Season Type: Warm-season crop; frost-sensitive—direct sow only after soil warms to 60°F+ and all frost risk has passed (late May to early June in the Salt Lake City area).
Plant Habit & Support: Compact bush plants grow 15-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide; no staking or support needed—space 4-6 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart for good airflow.
Other Notes: High-yielding and disease-resistant (e.g., to bean mosaic virus in many strains); prolific if harvested regularly (every 2-3 days) to encourage more pods—watch for Mexican bean beetles, aphids, or rust; succession sow every 2-3 weeks until mid-July for continuous supply, as plants produce heavily over a concentrated period.
Best Planting Method: Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep after last frost when soil is warm (60-85°F optimum); place seeds 2-4 inches apart and thin to 4-6 inches if needed. For Utah's shorter season, some growers start transplants indoors for a slight head start, but direct sowing is standard and reliable—space appropriately in rows or beds. Amend soil with compost for fertility and excellent drainage; raised beds help in heavier or alkaline Utah soils to prevent rot. Organic mulch (such as straw, compost, or grass clippings) around plants retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
Watering Needs: Provide consistent, even moisture (about 1 inch per week) especially during flowering and pod development—drip irrigation is ideal to keep foliage dry and reduce disease in dry Utah conditions. Avoid waterlogging or letting soil dry out completely, as both can cause poor pod set or blossom drop; mulch helps maintain steady moisture during hot spells.
Fertilization Needs: Incorporate compost or balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting—beans fix their own nitrogen, so avoid high-nitrogen products that promote excess foliage over pods. Light side-dressing with a balanced or phosphorus-potassium mix midway (if growth lags) supports steady production; they're light to moderate feeders overall. Harvest pods young and frequently by snapping or cutting to keep plants productive and encourage more blooms—over-mature pods become stringy and reduce overall yield.