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Growing Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans in the Vegetable Garden
Direct sow Kentucky Wonder beans after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60 F. Amend the soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 4-6 inches apart, in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. Due to their climbing nature, these beans require a trellis or support system.
Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with compost before planting for optimal nutrient availability. Regular watering is essential, especially during flowering and pod formation. Deep watering once or twice weekly, depending on climate conditions, encourages healthy root growth.
Beans grow well with corn, cucumbers, and radishes, which benefit from shared soil nutrients and growth patterns. Keep the area around the plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants and generally do not require additional nitrogen fertilizer.
Harvesting Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans
Kentucky Wonder beans are harvested as snap beans when the pods are tender and about 6-7-10 inches long. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. To harvest, simply snap or cut the pods from the vine. For those using the beans for shelling, wait until the pods fully mature and the seeds inside are plump.
About Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean Garden Seeds
Kentucky Wonder has a history dating back to 1864 or earlier, originating in the United States. This variety was likely bred for its flavor and yield, and it remains one of the most widely cultivated pole beans. Due to its ability to thrive in diverse environments and its reliable yield, Kentucky Wonder became a staple crop among American homesteaders.
Kentucky Wonder is high in dietary fiber, protein, and essential vitamins like folate and vitamin C, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans offer a blend of productivity and flavor that few other bean varieties can match. For gardeners looking for a reliable and flavorful bean, Kentucky Wonder is an excellent choice.
The vigorous 5-7 fit vines bear straight, medium green, flat, oval pods in clusters over an extended season. The seeds are white or brown.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Some people call this the Texas Pole bean because it is one of the best for weathering those hot Texas summers. Try sauteing them with some diced bacon for a delicious Texan side dish."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 30 g - Wholesale - Approximately 106 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 400 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,600 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 8,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Phaseolus vulgaris
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Bean Sub-Type: |
Romano - Romano beans (also known as roman beans, cranberry beans, saluggia beans, gadhra beans and rosecoco beans) are snap beans (edible pods) except for the shape, which is broad and flat, vs. the regular round cylindrical shape of regular snap beans. They are crunchy with a sweet flavor. |
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean Color: |
Green, Brown |
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean Flavor: |
Distinct, meaty, and rich. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
65 |
Days to Germination: |
5-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
1 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
4-6 inches |
Row Spacing: |
24-36 inches |
Plant Height: |
60-96 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Vining |
Soil Preference: |
Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-85 F). |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
Start Indoors: |
Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
Bean Pollination: |
Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
Snap or Shell Bean: |
Snap - Snap beans have a fleshy edible pod. Snap beans are also commonly referred to as string beans or green beans (though not all snap beans are green). They are called snap beans because they make a snapping sound when you break them in half. |
Pole or Bush Bean: |
Pole - Pole beans are vining-type plants that put out runners that grow very long or tall. Pole beans are so-called because they require a trellis, support, or wait for it… a pole. Pole beans require more effort than bush beans, but may also be grown in containers with the right support. |
Plant Width: |
6-8 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Early - Ready for harvest around 45-65 days. |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Germination Temperature: |
70-90 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (race 1, 15) and Rust. Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
Bean Use: |
Snap, shell, stir fry, soup, salad, fresh eating, canning, freezing, etc. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Drought |