Green beans are an easy-to-grow favorite in any home garden. Their versatility and taste make them an excellent choice for many gardeners.
Here, we delve into the common types of green beans and explore the different green bean varieties.
Types of Green Beans: Pole and Bush
Regarding green beans, there are primarily two types to consider: pole beans and bush beans. The kind of bean you choose to grow depends on your preference and available growing conditions.
Pole Beans
Pole beans are a prolific type of green bean. They need a trellis or vine to climb on, often reaching 3 to 4 feet tall.
Pole beans like ‘Blue Lake’ and ‘Rattlesnake’ are known for their high yields. ‘Blue Lake,’ an heirloom pole bean, boasts dark green, stringless pods. ‘Rattlesnake’ beans are simply a purple version of green beans. Intriguingly, they lose their purple color when cooked!
Bush Beans
Bush beans, on the other hand, are an upright plant that doesn’t require any support. They’re compact, making them ideal for smaller gardens.
Varieties such as ‘Stringless Green Pod’ and ‘Derby’ are popular bush green beans. They are prolific and produce well in many growing conditions.
Diving Deeper: Bean Varieties to Know
Within the world of pole and bush beans, many green bean varieties exist. These come in different shapes and sizes, from long beans to wax beans.
Green Bean Variety | Category | Type |
Blue Lake | Pole | Green bean |
Kentucky Wonder | Pole | Green bean |
Scarlet | Pole | Runner bean |
Gold of Bacau | Pole | Wax bean |
Purple King | Pole | Purple bean |
Rattlesnake | Pole | Snap bean |
Blue Lake | Bush | Green bean |
Provider | Bush | Green bean |
Contender | Bush | Green bean |
Roma II | Bush | Romano bean |
Purple Queen | Bush | Purple bean |
Topcrop | Bush | Snap bean |
Derby | Bush | Green bean |
Jade | Bush | Green bean |
Royal Burgundy | Bush | Purple bean |
Carson | Bush | Wax bean |
Yellow Wax | Bush | Wax bean |
French Filet | Pole | Green bean |
Chinese Red Noodle | Pole | Long bean |
Yardlong | Pole | Long bean |
Fortex | Pole | Green bean |
Golden Gate | Pole | Wax bean |
Trionfo Violetto | Pole | Purple bean |
Emerite | Pole | French bean |
Cherokee Wax | Bush | Wax bean |
Long Beans
Long beans, also known as yard-long beans, are a different family. Yet, their slender, long shape makes them notable in the green bean world. They are often enjoyed fresh, adding a crunch to salads and stir-fries.
Wax Beans
Wax beans are yellow or golden versions of green beans. They have the same taste and texture, providing a vibrant contrast in your summer garden.
Filet Beans or Haricots Verts
Filet beans, known as ‘haricots verts’ in French, are slender green beans. Their tender pods are best enjoyed fresh, making them a favorite among gourmet chefs.
Romano Beans
Romano beans, or Italian green beans, are another bean suited to be grown in the home garden. They have flat pods, and the bush or pole varieties provide high yields. Their unique taste makes them great for fresh eating or uses in recipes.
Enjoy Fresh, Stringless Beans
Stringless beans, regardless of whether they’re bush or pole, have a smooth texture and are easy to prepare. They’re the perfect choice to grow beans for freezing and canning.
Choosing the Right Variety for You
When choosing the kind of green beans you want to grow, consider your available space, the growing conditions, and how you plan to use your beans. The best variety will be the one that fits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a bushy plant-bearing bush green beans or a vine bursting with pole beans, growing green beans is rewarding. By understanding the different types of green beans, you’re better equipped to pick green beans that will thrive in your garden and on your plate.
Enjoy the process, and remember to share the fruits (or, in this case, pods) of your labor!