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Growing Mascotte Bush Beans in the Vegetable Garden

To start growing Mascotte Bush Beans, direct sowing is the preferred method since these beans don’t transplant well due to their delicate roots. It’s best to plant them directly into the garden after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach 60-70 F. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil, as beans don’t thrive in soggy conditions. Space the seeds 2-4 inches apart, with rows spaced 12-18 inches to allow good airflow and room for growth. Proper spacing helps reduce the risk of diseases and ensures the plants grow healthy and strong.

Mascotte Bush Beans are rather low-maintenance once planted. Water them deeply once or twice a week, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent mildew. Beans don’t need much fertilizer, as they fix their own nitrogen, but starting with nutrient-rich soil or mixing in compost can boost growth. Regular weeding and mulching help control weeds and retain soil moisture. Additionally, Mascotte beans benefit from companion planting with crops like corn, cucumbers, carrots, and marigolds, but avoid planting them near onions or garlic, which can hinder their growth.

Harvesting Mascotte Bush Beans

Mascotte is a snap bean variety, meaning you harvest the pods while tender and before the seeds inside fully mature. Typically, you’ll start harvesting about 50 days after planting. The beans are ready when the pods are slender, about 5-6 inches long, and firm to the touch but not bulging with seeds. Pick the beans by gently pulling them off the plant, or use scissors to snip them. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more beans, so pick often! Aim to harvest beans when young and tender for the best flavor and texture.

About Mascotte Bush Bean Garden Seeds

Mascotte beans are primarily used for fresh eating. The tender pods are great for eating raw, adding crunch to salads, or snacking on fresh from the garden. They are also excellent for quick cooking methods like steaming, stir-frying, or sautéing. Because the pods are stringless and tender, they’re a versatile ingredient in many dishes and can even be blanched and frozen for later use.

Mascotte was specifically bred as a container-friendly variety by French breeders, aiming for compact growth, high productivity, and delicious, tender beans that stay stringless.

The name “Mascotte” is a French word that means "lucky charm" or "good luck charm". It is just the thing you need in your garden this year!

Awarded the All-America Selections (AAS) Award in 2014, it is praised for its high yield, compact growth habit, and excellent flavor. What makes Mascotte special is its ability to thrive in containers or small gardens without compromising productivity, making it a perfect choice for urban gardeners or those with limited space.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"While Mascotte is a bush variety and doesn’t need a trellis, it may benefit from some support to keep the pods off the ground, especially if the plants get top-heavy with beans."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer