Bush Beans vs Pole Beans: Support plus Yield plus Timing
Bush beans vs pole beans comes down to height plus harvest window. Bush beans grow as compact plants that produce most of their crop at once. Pole beans climb a support plus go on producing over a longer season. Both are forms of the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris.
The short answer
Bush beans are upright plants about two feet tall that need no support, per University of Minnesota Extension. Pole beans are twining vines up to six feet or taller that need a trellis. Bush beans give one large harvest. Pole beans flower plus set new pods all season.
How do bush and pole beans grow?
University of Minnesota Extension notes pole beans are twining vines growing up to six feet, sometimes taller. Bush beans are upright plants growing about two feet tall. University of Illinois Extension notes bush beans have a similar spread to their height.
Both are warm season crops. Utah State University Extension notes beans need soil plus air above 60°F for good germination. Seedlings appear in 7 to 10 days. Iowa State University Extension notes pole beans need a few more days to mature than bush types.
| Trait | Bush beans | Pole beans |
|---|---|---|
| Height | About 2 feet | Up to 6 feet or taller |
| Support | None needed | Trellis, poles or fence |
| Harvest window | Most pods at once | Pods all season |
| Row spacing | Rows 2 feet apart | Rows 2 to 3 feet apart |
| Thinning | 3 to 4 inches apart | 4 to 6 inches apart |
| Ground space | More for the same crop | Less for the same crop |
Source: University of Minnesota Extension plus Iowa State University Extension.
Which needs support?
Pole beans do. University of Minnesota Extension advises installing pole bean supports at planting time. Iowa State University Extension notes supports should be about 6 to 7 feet tall. Rough poles, a fence, a trellis or a teepee of poles all serve.
Bush beans stand unaided. University of Illinois Extension notes their well defined growth pattern suits raised beds plus large pots.
Which yields longer?
Pole beans. University of Minnesota Extension notes pole beans flower plus produce new pods all through the season. They take up less ground than bush beans for similar production. In very hot weather, pole beans fail to set only a few pods before they resume.
Bush beans have a shorter period of flowering plus pod set. University of Illinois Extension notes they usually produce over about 2 weeks for home gardeners. Staggered plantings one to three weeks apart stretch the harvest.
How to: step by step
- Wait until soil warms above 60°F.
- Sow seeds 1 to 1½ inches deep.
- Set pole bean supports 6 to 7 feet tall at planting.
- Thin bush beans to 3 to 4 inches apart.
- Thin pole beans to 4 to 6 inches apart.
- Sow bush beans again every 2 to 3 weeks.
Troubleshooting
Flowers drop without pods: hot, dry weather during bloom. Give 1 inch of water per week during blossoming.
Yields fall off: mature pods left on the plant. Pick pods often while they are young plus firm.
Poor germination: cold soil. Wait until soil plus air are above 60°F before sowing.
For related reading see cannabis leaf anatomy, plant cages for cannabis plus raised beds for cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Pole vs bush beans, University of Illinois Extension
- Growing beans in home gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
- How to grow beans in your garden, Utah State University Extension
- Growing green beans, Iowa State University Extension
FAQ
Which beans yield more?
Pole beans give more per square foot over time. University of Minnesota Extension notes pole beans take up less ground than bush beans for similar production. They flower plus set pods all season. Bush beans give a large harvest at one time, which suits gardeners who want many pods in a short window.
Can bush beans grow in containers?
Yes. University of Illinois Extension notes the well defined growth pattern of bush beans makes them a great choice for raised beds plus large pots. Plants reach about 2 feet tall with a similar spread. Water regularly, since Utah State University Extension notes water stress reduces yields plus pod quality.
When should pole beans be planted?
Plant after the danger of frost has passed. Iowa State University Extension notes central Iowa gardeners usually begin around May 10. Utah State University Extension advises waiting until soil plus air are above 60°F. Install supports at planting time so the young vines have something to climb, per University of Minnesota Extension.
How tall should bean poles be?
About 6 to 7 feet. Iowa State University Extension recommends supports of that height for pole beans. Rough poles, a fence or a trellis all work, as does a teepee of poles. University of Minnesota Extension notes pole beans grow up to six feet plus sometimes taller, so shorter supports fall short.
How often should beans be picked?
Pick often plus thoroughly. Iowa State University Extension notes leaving mature pods on the plant decreases yields, since the plant puts energy into seeds. Harvest snap beans when pods are young plus firm with small seeds. At this stage pods are about the diameter of a pencil plus 4 to 6 inches long.
