Bean Seeds - Pole - Kentucky Wonder Wax
50-75 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. Kentucky Wonder Wax Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, high-yielding, pole, snap, wax bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Kentucky Wonder Wax beans are known for their tender, stringless pods and rich, slightly nutty flavor. The yellow pods are often sweeter and more delicate than green beans. The plants produce abundantly over a long period, ensuring multiple harvests throughout the summer. The bright yellow pods are easy to harvest and add significant visual appeal to the vegetable garden.~90 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Beans in the Vegetable Garden
When planting Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Beans, it is best to directly sow the seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60 F. Prepare a fertile, well-draining bed by loosening the soil and working in organic matter such as compost. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep, placing them approximately 4 to 6 inches apart within the row. If planting multiple rows, space them about 24 to 36 inches apart to allow good air circulation and easy harvesting. Unlike bush beans, Kentucky Wonder Wax beans are pole types, so provide a sturdy trellis, pole, or fence for the vines to climb. Planting them at the base of a support ensures strong, upward growth and maximizes yield.
Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season but not waterlogged. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, and increase slightly during hot, dry weather. To conserve moisture and reduce weeds, apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants. Fertilizing is often unnecessary if you begin with fertile, compost-rich soil. If growth appears slow or leaves are pale, side-dress with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer. Avoid planting beans near alliums (like onions and garlic), as they can inhibit bean growth. Maintain good airflow by training the vines up their supports and removing any weeds that could compete for nutrients or harbor pests. Rotating bean crops annually also helps prevent the buildup of soilborne diseases.
Harvesting Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Beans
Harvest the pods when they are young, about 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm) long, and before the seeds inside begin to bulge noticeably. At this stage, the pods are stringless, crisp, and have a sweet, delicate flavor. To harvest, simply hold the vine with one hand and gently snap or cut the pod off with the other, taking care not to damage the plant.
About Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Bean Garden Seeds
Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Beans trace their heritage back to the classic Kentucky Wonder line of beans, a storied heirloom variety dating to the late 1800s. This wax-podded variant was developed to offer the same prolific yield and climbing habit of the original Kentucky Wonder but with distinctive golden-yellow pods that stand out in the garden and in the kitchen.
They are a nutritious addition to meals, providing fiber, vitamins (including vitamins A and C), and essential minerals like iron.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more pods over a longer period, ensuring a continuous, generous supply throughout the summer. If you wait too long, the pods become tough and fibrous, reducing their eating quality."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 1 oz Packet - Wholesale - Approximately 90 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 360 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,440 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 7,200 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 36,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Wax - Wax beans (also called yellow beans) are very similar to green snap beans and have a similar flavor profile. The primary difference is they lack the chlorophyll that makes green beans green. The yellow hue looks like wax, hence the name. |
| Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Bean Color: | Yellow |
| Kentucky Wonder Wax Pole Bean Flavor: | Sweet, nutty, and “classic bean” tasting, with a tender, non-fibrous texture when harvested young. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 50-75 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 24-36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 60-72 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: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready for harvest around 66-86 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 (with vertical support) |
| Bean Use: | Best as fresh snap beans in stir-fries, sautés, salads, and side dishes. Their bright color and flavor also make them excellent for pickling, canning, or freezing. They maintain good texture and flavor when preserved. |