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Growing Royal Burgundy Bush Beans in the Vegetable Garden

Direct sow the seeds outdoors, as they do not transplant well. This should be done after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 F. These beans are sensitive to cold, so planting too early can stunt their growth. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep directly into well-drained soil. Space each seed about 3–6 inches apart in rows, ensuring the rows are about 18–24 inches apart. This allows for good airflow, reducing the risk of disease, and ensures the plants have enough room to spread. If planting in a container or raised bed, maintain similar spacing to give the plants adequate room to grow.

These low-maintenance plants prefer full sun (6-10 hours), about an inch of water per week, and light fertilization. If your soil is particularly poor, a balanced low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) can be applied once the plants flower. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leafy growth at the expense of pod production. They make great companion plants for tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn. Keep the area weed-free and apply a mulch to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

Harvesting Royal Burgundy Bush Beans

Harvest the pods when they are around 5 inches long. In their fresh state, they remain purple but once cooled they turn a vibrant green. Although some pods may pull cleanly from the vine, use a knife or shears for more fibrous pods to avoid accidental damage to the plant.

About Royal Burgundy Bush Bean Garden Seeds

Also known as Royal Purple Pod, this flavorful snap bean is stringless and thrives in cool weather.

These dazzling purple pods are sure to be a hit at the dinner table, farmers' markets, and farm stands. The eye-appealing color is enticing to those with more curious minds.

Bred for its unique color, it was developed in the mid-20th century, during a time when plant breeders were focusing on expanding the color and aesthetic appeal of common vegetables.

One of the standout traits of Royal Burgundy is its ability to tolerate cooler temperatures better than many other bean varieties. This makes it a great choice for gardeners in regions with unpredictable spring or fall weather.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"I love cooking these types of green beans with kids. They can watch them turn from purple to green and get excited about the change. If your kid has a hard time eating vegetables, maybe try these and involve them in the cooking process!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer