Yard-long bean Wikimedia Commons / CC
garden

Yard-long bean

Overview

A vigorous tropical legume that produces remarkably long, slender pods — often 18-30 inches — that are a staple of Southeast Asian and Chinese cuisine. Despite the common name, the pods are best harvested before reaching a full yard in length, when they're still tender and snappy. They thrive in hot, humid conditions where traditional green beans struggle.

Companion Planting & Soil

Good Companions

CornSquashSunflowerMarigold

Avoid Planting Near

OnionGarlicFennel
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, warm loam

Planting Calendar

When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.

ZoneActionMonthsNotes
Cold (1-2) Start Indoors Apr — May Start indoors 3-4 weeks early; tropical bean; annual
Cold (1-2) Transplant Jun — Jun Transplant after all frost; needs pole or trellis to 8 feet
Cold (1-2) Harvest Jul — Sep Pick at 12-18" before seeds swell; harvest every 2 days
Cool (3-4) Direct Sow May — Jun Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F; provide tall trellis
Cool (3-4) Harvest Jul — Sep Harvest young; overripe pods become fibrous
Moderate (5-7) Direct Sow May — Jul Direct sow when soil is warm; beans grow 12-18" long
Moderate (5-7) Harvest Jul — Oct Pick frequently to prolong production
Warm (8-9) Direct Sow Mar — Jul Direct sow spring through summer; heat-loving
Warm (8-9) Harvest May — Oct Long harvest; pick when pencil-thin for best texture
Hot (10+) Direct Sow Feb — Aug Sow spring through late summer; thrives in heat and humidity
Hot (10+) Harvest Apr — Nov Harvest regularly; outstanding in stir-fry

Uses

Culinary

  • Stir-fried with garlic and chili in Asian cuisine
  • Chopped into curries and coconut-based stews
  • Blanched and served in salads with peanut dressing

Medicinal

  • Rich in protein and folate
  • Good source of vitamin C and iron
  • Fiber-rich for digestive health

Other Uses

  • Heat-loving alternative to bush beans for tropical gardens
  • Vigorous ornamental vine for trellises