Phaseolus

( FAZ- ee - oh - lus )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of herbaceous to woody annual and perennial vines is native to the Americas and is an important food source worldwide. Species are commonly called Bean or Wild Bean, and have been domesticated as a crop since pre-Colombian times. Beans are cultivated worldwide. Use these vines in edible gardens, where they will need a structure like a trellis or fence to climb. These plants can also be used ornamentally to cover walls or fences, as cover crops, or as pollinator plants. Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as plant parts, especially raw beans, are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Phaseolus Species and Varietals

The genus Phaseolus is a member of the plant family Fabaceae, and includes over 70 species. The plants in this genus are relatives of those in Vigna. The genus name is derived from the Latin word phaseolus, which refers to any bean in a pod. The best growing zones for these vining plants varies depending on the species grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Phaseolus acutifolius (Tepary Bean, Pavi, Escomite, Yorimuni, Texas Bean, Bawĭ, Haricot Riz)
These plants, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, have low water requirements and have been a staple food in their native region for many years. They can be climbing, trailing, or erect plants with green, pointed leaves. Flowers are light pink. Grows well in USDA zones 8a-11b.

Phaseolus angustissimus (Slimleaf Bean, Narrowleaf Bean, Narrow-Leaflet Bean)
This species is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and is a close relative of Phaseolus acutifolius (Tepary Bean). It is a perennial, herbaceous vine trails along rocky and eroded hillsides. Grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.

Phaseolus coccineus (Scarlet Runner Bean, Runner Bean, Multiflora Bean, Butter Bean, Oregon Lima Bean, Ayocote)
These perennial vining plants are grown both as crop plants and ornamentals in many gardens around the world, and are native to Central America. Most varieties have red flowers and multicolored seeds, though there are some with white flowers and white seeds. Grown from a tuberous root. Grows in USDA zones 1-11 as an annual, and in 7-11 as a perennial vine.

Phaseolus dumosus (Phaseolus polyanthus) (Year Bean, Year-Long Bean, Piloy)
This annual or perennial herbaceous vine is native to Guatemala and is widely grown as a staple food source. This species was recently discovered to actually be a hybrid between Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus vulgaris. Grows well in USDA zones 3a-11b.

Phaseolus filiformis (Slimjim Bean, Slender-Stem Bean, Wright's Limabean, Wright's Phaseolus, Wright's Bean)
This wild bean species is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and produces pink flowers. Bean pods are small, about an inch long maximum. These vines grow well in USDA zones 3b-11.

Phaseolus lunatus (Lima Bean, Butter Bean, Sieva Bean, Double Bean, Madagascar Bean, Java Bean)
These plants are native to Peru, and is a common warm season crop grown in the United States. Popular bush varieties of this species include 'Henderson', 'Eastland', 'Jackson Wonder', 'Dixie Butterpea', and 'Fordhook 242'. Commonly grown pole varieties include 'Carolina Sieva', 'Giant Speckled', 'Big 6', 'Willow Leaf', 'Mezcla', and 'King of the Garden'. Grows well in USDA growing zones 2-11. This species is considered invasive in the Caribbean and Pacific Islands.

Phaseolus luteola (Hairy Cowpea, Hairypod Cowpea, Nile Bean, Yellow Vigna, Yellow Water Pea, Wild Cowpea)
This tropical short-lived perennial vine produces green to black-brown pods containing large black seeds. Pod twists and opens spirally when the seeds are to be dispersed. This species of vine grows well in USDA zones 8 through 11 and is considered invasive in eastern Africa, the Cayman Islands, and regions of the southern United States.

Phaseolus maculatus (Metcalfe Bean, Prairie Bean, Spotted Bean)
This species is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States where it naturally grows on rocky hillsides These plants produce trailing herbaceous stems from a large, woody taproot, and have pink flowers. They are often used as livestock forage.

Phaseolus pauciflorus (Few-Flowered Bean, Frijol Silvestre, Frijolillo, Enredadera)
This wild bean species is native to Mexico and Guatemala and produces few magenta-pink flowers. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-10b and reaches up to 2 feet tall when mature.

Phaseolus polystachios (Thicket Bean, Wild Kidney Bean, Wild Bean)
This perennial herbaceous vine is native to North America and southwest Canada, and is closely related to the Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus). These plants require at least 10 hours of light per day to flower and leaf out, and is dormant in the wintertime, storing energy in its tuberous root. Best in USDA growing zones 5-10.

Phaseolus ritensis (Santa Rita Mountain Bean, Cocolmeca, Frijol del Monte, Eggleaf Stringbean)
These plants are native to Mexico where it grows in forested mountain areas. These plants produce a large, woody taproot and have pink to lavender flowers. Ripened fruits and roots are important food sources in these plants' native range. Santa Rita Mountain Beans grow well in USDA zones 8a-10b.

Phaseolus vulgaris (Common Bean, Green Bean, Snap Bean, String Bean, French Bean)
This plant is widely grown around the globe for its edible dry seeds and green ripe pods. These plants can be classified as bush beans or climbing beans, and this species has many varieties to choose from. This species grows well in USDA zones 2-11. Some of the more commonly grown cultivars are listed and described below.

Anasazi (Frijol Conejo)
Dappled red and white beans

Appaloosa
Half ivory, half reddish-brown beans cultivated in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.

Black Turtle
Small, shiny black beans that are popular in Latin cuisine.

Bolita Bean
Cultivated in New Mexico, this variety produces white-tan to purplish beans.

Calypso (Panda, Yin-Yang)
Half black, half white beans that have edible pods when young, and are also great for drying.

Cranberry
White beans with cranberry red markings.

Dragon Tongue
A type of Cranberry Bean, with reddish shells and greenish beans. Juicy beans.

Flageolet
Picked early and allowed to dry in the shade to retain color. Firm and creamy texture.

Kidney (Red)
These beans are used in many dishes, including red beans and rice.

Jacob's Cattle (Trout)
Beans dappled with red and white markings.

Mocha with Cherry
A pole-bean variety with white and dappled red and white areas.

North Holland Brown
Dutch heirloom bush bean variety that produces tannish brown beans.

Painted Pony Pea
Climbing beans that are reddish-brown and white.

Peruano (Peruvian, Mexican Yellow, Canary)
This variety is used for making refried beans, and are creamy and buttery in texture.

Pink (Habichuelas Rosadas)
Small, pale pink beans that are a staple in Santa Maria-style barbeque dishes.

Pinto
Mottled brown and dark brown skin; the most common bean found in the U.S. and Mexico.

Polish Eagle (Independence)
With markings similar to an eagle, a Polish emblem of independence.

Rattlesnake
Medium-sized bean with brown markings on a light brown seed. Pods coil around vines in a snake-like manner.

Sulphur (China Yellow)
Nearly round yellowish heirloom variety with a distinct flavor that cooks to white.

Tiger's Eye
Native to Chile or Argentina, a bean that resembles Tiger's Eye rocks.

White (Navy, Haricot)
Popular in the United Kingdom and United States.

Yellow (Enola Type)
Native to Mexico and uncommon in the U.S. due to a patent issue.

Yellow Eye
A popular baking bean in Maine. Clean, mild taste. Heirloom variety 'Steuben' is a choice selection.

Caring for Phaseolus

Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as plant parts, especially raw beans, are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Phaseolus prefers to be planted in full sun. Between six and eight hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal for optimal growth and flowering for most crop species. Before planting, decide whether to support the plant with a trellis or structure of some kind to climb. Bush-type varieties will not need support. Ensure that soil is well-draining before installing plants; they do not like to have wet feet. These plants prefer neutral to acidic soil that has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. If soil is overly clay or does not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic material and/or sand to improve drainage, aeration and structure. If soils are particularly poor or hard to work with, it may be necessary to grow these plants in raised beds or containers. Make sure that containers and raised beds have adequate drainage. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of plants to suppress weed growth, maintain soil temperature, and increase soil moisture retention. Water plants consistently, especially during flowering and fruiting, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid issues with root rot taking hold. Do not wet foliage; apply water to the base of plants.

Amend the planting area with organic compost to supply plants with necessary nutrients for the flowering and fruiting season. This should be sufficient, though if plants seem to be struggling or if they are growing in particularly poor soils, they may benefit from a balanced (10-10-10), slow-release fertilizer application once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen (N), as this will encourage a lot of leafy growth at the expense of flowering and subsequent fruiting. Pruning is relatively simple for these plants. Simply remove dead, damaged, diseased, or errant growth as it becomes problematic, and pinch tips back to encourage a bushier growth. Make sure mulch is applied to the base of plants, and use frost cloths when necessary to protect foliage and shoots. These vines are typically grown as annual crops, sown and harvested and then pulled and composted at the end of the growing season. They can also be left in place to enrich soil.

Harvesting Phaseolus
Take care when harvesting and consuming Phaseolus pods, as many are toxic raw. Phaseolus, or bean plants are harvested for their edible beans, and are grown worldwide, including in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are five major domesticated species: Phaseolus vulgaris (Common Bean), Phaseolus lunatus (Lima Bean), Phaseolus coccineus (Runner Bean), Phaseolus acutifolius (Tepary Bean), and Phaseolus dumosus (Year Bean). No mature, dried beans from any species should ever be consumed raw. Some species (Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus, and Phaseolus acutifolius) are harvested for their young pods, which can be added to salads or eaten raw. The young green pods, called Snap or Green beans, are harvested when they are about the size of a pencil and still tender, which occurs 55 to 70 days after planting. Pods should snap easily and cleanly when bent, and collected every 3-5 days to ensure edibility.

Shelling Beans are harvested when pods are still plump and green but the seeds inside are fully formed and soft. Around 80 to 90 days after planting, check bean pods that have just begun to lose their vibrant green color. The beans inside are tender and juicy. Remove pods from the plant, and then once inside, remove the seeds from the pods. Cook (simmer in water or broth for 20 to 40 minutes or until tender) or can the beans immediately. They do not need to be soaked, and will yield a creamy, sweet texture.

Beans cultivated for dry storage are typically harvested late in the season, after most of the plant has died back and pods have turned papery brown and dry. Seeds inside of pods will be hard, and are ready to be harvested when pods rattle. Pick brittle pods individually or pull up the entire plant and hang it upside down in a cool, dark dry area to finish drying. To remove seeds from pods, place them into a clean bag or pillowcase and gently walk over them to crush them. Separate chaff from seed, and then store the hardened beans in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Dried beans will need to be soaked before they can be cooked. Soak beans under 2-3 inches of water for 6-8 hours or overnight. Then, rapid boil for 10 minutes to destroy harmful toxins, and bring down to a simmer. Cover and cook until tender (between 30 and 90 minutes).

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Phaseolus is best propagated from seed. To propagate your bean plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Phaseolus by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant, especially if a hybrid cultivar is being propagated. You will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed pod on these plants are pretty easy to spot, they're large and dangle from the branches, left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will begin to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Problems and Pests

Certain species of Phaseolus are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Phaseolus plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests: