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Growing French Garden Bush Beans in the Vegetable Garden
French garden bush beans are typically planted directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up to at least 60 F. These beans do not transplant well, so direct sowing is recommended. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows for sufficient air circulation and room for the plants to grow and produce pods.
Before planting, prepare the soil by tilling it 6 to 8 inches deep and incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure; this enhances soil fertility and drainage, creating an ideal environment for bean growth. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8, slightly acidic to neutral. Make sure the planting area is in full sun, as beans thrive in sunny conditions.
Bush beans require consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid overhead watering and instead apply water directly to the soil to prevent disease. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. If the plants appear pale or stunted, a side dressing of compost or a balanced organic fertilizer may be beneficial during the growing season.
Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient deficiencies. Use row covers to protect young plants from pests like aphids and deer. Staying on top of weeding will reduce competition for nutrients, space, and water.
Harvesting French Garden Bush Beans
French garden bush beans are a snap variety, meaning they are harvested and eaten whole, pod and all, rather than for the seeds inside. They are typically ready for harvest about 50 to 60 days after planting. The key to harvesting is picking the beans when they are young, tender, and about 4 to 6 inches long, but before the seeds inside the pods start bulging. Look for pods that are firm, crisp, and a vibrant green color. The beans should easily snap when bent. Avoid allowing the beans to become overgrown, as they can become tough and stringy.
About French Garden Bush Bean Garden Seeds
They are often used in dishes like salads, sautés, and stir-fries due to their versatility and appealing texture.
Their compact growth habit is perfect for small spaces or container gardening. These beans are also a nitrogen-fixing crop, improving soil health for future plantings.
French garden bush beans are low in calories and high in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"One of my favorite ways to cook French beans is to lightly saute them in a pan with a bit of butter and a sprinkle of garlic salt. They hit the spot every time and pair well with all sorts of cuisines."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
French Garden Bush Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 18 g - Wholesale - Approximately 133 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 208 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 832 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,328 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,640 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 83,200 Seeds
Non-GMO French Garden Bush 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: |
Not Applicable. |
French Garden Bush Bean Color: |
Green |
French Garden Bush Bean Flavor: |
They have a delicate, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and a crisp texture when harvested young. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
50-60 |
Days to Germination: |
5-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
1 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
2-4 inches |
Row Spacing: |
18-24 inches |
Plant Height: |
12-24 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Upright |
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: |
Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
Plant Width: |
12 inches |
Plant Spread: |
12 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Early - Ready for harvest around 45-65 days. |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Germination Temperature: |
70-90 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
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: |
Fresh, steamed, sauteed, salads, pickled, blanched, frozen. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |