There are also entirely different species of Asian climbing beans that are increasingly popular in North American gardens. These often have a unique appearance, but the beans are known to be extremely nutritious.
Growing Heirloom Pole Beans
Most pole beans require 65–75 days to mature, and they don’t grow well outdoors until the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees or, preferably, 70 degrees. If you don’t have a lengthy growing season in your region—or if you’d prefer to harvest your beans earlier—you can start seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost of late winter or spring. If you choose to plant seeds directly in the outdoor garden, wait until soil temps have reached at least 60 degrees, and then plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Thin them to 4 inches apart as they grow. Beans like a fairly decent soil, so offer a little nutritional boost by adding plenty of compost. Water beans lightly until little seedlings show up. Then, keep the soil moist but not saturated until the plants start to flower, at which point you should water more thoroughly and continue to do so until all the beans have been harvested for the season. Most of the beans described here are traditional snap beans but a runner bean and some more exotic Asian beans have been included for good measure. Many of these varieties can also be left to mature on the vine for harvesting as dried beans. Here are 10 great heirloom pole bean varieties for your vegetable garden.
Native Area: Mexico, Central America, South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 8–9 feetSun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Southeast AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 10–13 feetSun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Mexico, Central America, South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 6–8 feetSun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 7–11 (as a perennial); grown as an annual elsewhereHeight: 8–12 feet (occasionally 15 feet)Sun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Central America, South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 6–7 feetSun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Central America, South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 9–10 feetSun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Central America, South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 6–8 feetSun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Southern and southeastern AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 8–10 feetSun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Central America, South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 5–6 feetSun Exposure: Full
Native Area: Central America, South AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–11Height: 5–6 feetSun Exposure: Full
