How late can I plant beans?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.To identify the latest planting window for beans, one needs to be aware of frost patterns and the variety maturation lengths. Bush beans require 50-60 days free of frost, and pole beans require 65-90 days. Count backward from your first likely fall frost date to determine cut-off dates for beans. Those in the tropics are not concerned with frost, but rather with the peak summer heat.
Frost Date Calculation
- Subtract days-to-maturity from first frost date
- Add 14-day buffer for cooler fall temperatures
- Use historical averages from local extension services
- Account for microclimates in your garden
Variety Selection
- Quick bush types: Provider (50 days)
- Cold-tolerant: Witkeim Manita withstands light frost
- Dwarf varieties: Suitable for container protection
- Overwintering beans: Plant until soil freezes
Climate Adaptation
- Arid regions: Extend season with shade cloth
- Humid zones: Prioritize disease-resistant varieties
- Coastal gardens: Leverage milder fall conditions
- Urban settings: Utilize heat-retaining structures
Increase odds of success with raised beds with faster warming and drainage. Augment the soil with additional compost to make up for the resulting cool temperatures. I lay down black plastic mulch to add to soil temperature stabilization, and water with warm water to keep root zone temperatures over 50°F.
Execute protective measures as temperatures fall. Cloches or cold frames can be used in temperatures dropping close to 40°F. Floating row covers will add 2 to 3 weeks to your season. Move pots to south-facing walls during cold spells for container plants. Harvest promptly at maturity because the plant's growth will slow significantly after the first frost.
Anticipated late season yields will be adjusted accordingly. Pod production is expected to be 30-50% lower when compared to spring plantings. Beans mature more slowly, with a longer time frame of around 10 days, under cool conditions. Look for varieties that mature quickly and focus on succession planting for the best. Keep track of yields to better prepare for future timing.
Read the full article: When to Plant Beans: Ultimate Growing Guide
