Asparagus Bean Seeds - Yard Long Red Seeded

Minimum Seeds per Packet: 40

Packet Weight: 10g

Planting Season: After Last Frost

Sowing Method: Direct Seed

Seed Depth: 1"

Direct Seed Spacing: 2-3"

Soil Temperature: 60-80 ℉

Days to Sprout: 8-16

Mature Spacing: 4-6"

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Frost Tolerance: Frost Sensitive

Days to Harvest: 75

When to Seed Asparagus Beans

Asparagus beans flourish in the summer heat and should be planted after all danger of frost has passed. They require a long, warm growing season. Legumes often have shallow roots so it is only recommended to direct seed these crops. 

Where to Plant Asparagus Beans

Plant seeds in loose, well-draining soil in a spot that gets full sun. Some afternoon shade is fine if that’s the best spot you have.

Growing Asparagus Beans

Plant seeds one inch deep and two to three inches apart. As they germinate, thin them to their mature spacing of four to six inches. These pole-type plants will easily climb six to eight feet tall. Set up a trellis at planting time with plenty of vertical supports. Beans do not typically need to be fertilized but will appreciate some compost or organic matter mixed into the soil at planting time. 

Harvesting Asparagus Beans

Although they are called “yard long” beans, they are best harvested between ten and 12 inches long. If the pod becomes soft or spongy, you’ve waited too long. Once the beans start to develop inside the pod, the flavor changes. To harvest the beans, twist the bean off the vine rather than pulling. Twisting will leave the vine intact and ready to produce more beans. They grow fast and should be harvested often to encourage production.

Bean- Asparagus, Vigna ungulculata
Pollination, self; Life Cycle, annual; Isolation Distance, 20 feet

Cross-pollination is rare with beans, but it is prudent to not grow different varieties next to each other to avoid the risk. Earmark a couple of plants at the beginning of the season for seed saving. To encourage optimal pod development, water very little and don't feed the seed plants, nor pick any pods from them to eat. At the very end of the season, pick the pods when they have turned crisp and brown. Some varieties will shatter –meaning the pod will split open to disperse the seeds- so keep an eye on your seeds' progress and harvest accordingly. With smaller varieties, the whole bush can be uprooted and hung upside-down for drying. The seed inside the pod should be hard. Dry the pods in a well-ventilated place, clean and winnow, and store.