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Growing Sunray Bush Beans in the Vegetable Garden

Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil. This depth helps ensure that the seed has enough coverage to retain moisture but isn't so deep that the sprout will struggle to reach the surface. It’s best to sow these beans directly into your garden rather than starting them indoors. Beans don’t take well to transplanting because they have delicate root systems. Once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 F (16 C), you can sow the seeds outdoors. Plant the seeds 2-4 inches apart in rows, with about 18-24 inches between each row. This spacing allows the plants enough room to grow and flourish without competing for nutrients and light.

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially when the plants are flowering and developing beans. However, overhead watering should be avoided to minimize disease risks. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Consider planting Sunray Bush Beans near carrots, cauliflower, or cucumbers, which are known to be good companions. Avoid planting them near onions or garlic. Since beans fix their own nitrogen, they require little to no extra fertilizer. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can help if your soil is very poor.

Harvesting Sunray Beans

You’ll know it's time to harvest when the beans feel firm and have filled out the pods well, but before the pods become tough. The beans inside should be smooth and tender, not hard. Gently pull or snap the pods off the plant, being careful not to damage the plant itself.

Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more beans. Sunray Beans are snap beans, which means they are harvested when the pods are immature, and the beans inside are not fully developed. This type of bean is ideal for eating fresh, cooking, or preserving.

About Sunray Bean Garden Seeds

Also known as Landreth Stringless Beans, this variety has been a favorite since it was introduced in 1885 by the D. Landreth Seed Company. One of its standout features is right in the name—it's stringless!

Stringless beans are a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to enjoy cooking and eating beans without the hassle of removing the tough string found on many other bean varieties.

Thanks to their early maturing habit, they're perfect for both experienced gardeners looking for a reliable crop and newcomers eager to see quick results in their garden efforts.

Sunray bush beans get rave reviews from anyone who grows them. The robust seedlings are highly productive and sturdy enough to withstand undesirable weather.

These versatile beans are grown everywhere from Toronto to Georgia to California and thrive! Most southern state growers note that the heat tends to cut their production season a bit short but are still pleased with the harvest they receive.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"In my research on green beans, Sunray or Landreth Stringless (they are the same variety under different names) seem to be one of the most versatile and desirable for the home gardener. Everywhere I turned, I found a positive review praising everything from its germination rate to its ability to remain stringless and even can well! I can’t wait to try them!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer