Common beanPhaseolus vulgaris

Common bean

Common beans

1. string bean
2. snap bean
3. runner bean

1. string bean
2. snap bean
3. runner bean

1. Fisole (Austria)

1. Phaseolus vulgaris
2. common bean
3. garden bean
4. green bean
5. string bean
6. snap bean

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Rosids

Pea family

1. Pods
2. Seeds

The common bean is an indispensable classic in the vegetable garden, valued for its nutritious pods and ease of cultivation. Whether as a compact bush bean or a tall climbing pole bean, it enriches every garden and sustainably improves soil quality through nitrogen fixation.

1. TaskBoden vorbereiten

   Label

   Prepare soil and incorporate compost if necessary.

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionsoil_temperature_above_10C

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Well-aerated, humus-rich soil is ideal.

2. TaskAussaat/Pflanzung

   Label

   Direct sowing into the open ground or transplanting pre-cultivated young plants.

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionno_frost_risk

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Observe spacing according to variety (bush vs. pole bean).

3. TaskRankhilfe anbringen

   Label

   Install climbing supports for pole beans.

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionpole_bean_variety

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Choose stable structures that can withstand wind.

1. TaskBewässerung

   Label

   Water regularly during dry periods.

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is important, avoid waterlogging.

2. TaskUnkrautkontrolle

   Label

   Weed, taking care not to damage young plants.

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionweeds_present

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Mulching can help suppress weeds.

3. TaskDüngung

   Label

   Fertilize as needed, especially for heavy feeders.

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionsigns_of_deficiency

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Organic fertilizers are well tolerated.

1. TaskErnte

   Label

   Regular harvesting to encourage further flowering.

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionbeans_ready

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Young, tender beans are most flavorful.

2. TaskSchädlingskontrolle

   Label

   Watch for pests such as aphids and spider mites.

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionpest_infestation

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Use biological agents for severe infestations.

3. TaskBewässerung

   Label

   Continue to ensure adequate water supply.

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Especially important during flowering and fruit development.

1. TaskErnte

   Label

   Continuous harvesting.

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionbeans_ready

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Regular picking stimulates the plant to produce new flowers.

2. TaskBewässerung

   Label

   Continue watering during prolonged dry spells.

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

3. TaskRankhilfe prüfen

   Label

   For pole beans, ensure consistent growth and stability of the support structure.

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionpole_bean_variety

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Adjust or secure as needed.

1. TaskErnte

   Label

   Final harvest before the first frost.

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionbefore_first_frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Give even unripe beans a chance if frost is delayed.

2. TaskPflanzenreste entsorgen

   Label

   Remove plant debris and compost (unless diseased).

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionend_of_season

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Do not compost diseased plant parts.

Sunny to partially shaded

Preferably wind-protected, especially for pole beans.

A warm, sunny location promotes growth and yield. Partial shade is tolerated but may reduce yield.

Humus-rich, loose, well-draining, nutrient-rich

Beans prefer deep, warm soils. Avoid heavy, cold soils. Loosen the soil well and enrich with compost before sowing or planting.

Regularly, especially during dry spells and during flowering/fruiting.

Best at the root zone to prevent fungal diseases.

Consistent moisture is important. Avoid waterlogging at all costs. Daily watering may be necessary in hot weather.

Good basic supply with compost before planting. If needed, fertilize during the growing season with organic liquid fertilizer.

As legumes, beans require little nitrogen. Focus on phosphorus and potassium. Avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and poor fruiting.

Beans are good predecessors for many vegetables. Do not plant after other legumes (observe crop rotation).

1. Brassicas
2. Celery
3. Leeks
4. Lettuce

1. Heavy feeders
2. Potatoes
3. Tomatoes

Beans leave valuable nitrogen in the soil. A rotation break of 3 years from other legumes must be strictly observed.

Stunted growth and pale leaves (rare due to nitrogen fixation).

Yellow spots between leaf veins in lime-rich soils.

1. Typecold_shock

   Label

   Cold shock

   Description

   Growth stops at temperatures below 10°C.

2. Typeflower_drop

   Label

   Flower drop

   Description

   Often caused by extreme drought or heat.

1. Aphids
2. Spider mites
3. Bean weevils

1. Fungal diseases (Rust, Anthracnose)
2. Viruses (Mosaic virus)

1. Observe crop rotation
2. Do not work or harvest when wet
3. Choose resistant varieties
4. Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation

Spots on pods usually indicate fungal infection; leaf deformations often suggest aphids or viruses.

1. Slugcolletotrichum-lindemuthianum

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Cool, damp weather
   2. Waterlogging

   Affected parts

   1. Stems
   2. Leaves
   3. Pods

   Prevention

   1. Use certified seed
   2. Crop rotation

   Organic control

   1. Remove infested plants immediately
   2. Horsetail tea

1. Symptom

   Sunken, dark spots with light borders on the pods

   Possible causes

   1. colletotrichum-lindemuthianum

   First checks

   1. Was it harvested in the rain?
   2. Is the seed home-grown?

Sunburn on young leaves is often misinterpreted as a viral disease.

1. Germination
2. Primary leaf stage
3. Trifoliate leaf stage
4. Stem elongation/Vining
5. Flower bud formation
6. Flowering
7. Pod development
8. Pod maturity
9. Seed maturity/Senescence

Growth is highly temperature-dependent; little development occurs below 10°C.

June to August

White, yellowish, or violet

July to September

1.5–3 kg per square meter

Pick every 2–3 days to stimulate the production of new pods.

1. Pods snap cleanly when bent (snap test)
2. Seeds are not yet visible or only faintly bulging
3. Smooth surface and vibrant pod color

Store beans in a cool place after harvest and process quickly; harvest in dry weather to avoid disease transmission.

1. Refrigeration
2. Freezing (after blanching)
3. Canning/Preserving
4. Drying (mature seeds only)

Short-term storage (fresh) or long-term storage (preserved/dried)

Fresh: 2–4 days in the refrigerator; Frozen/Canned: 12 months; Dried beans: Several years.

1. Blanching and freezing
2. Lactic acid fermentation
3. Pressure canning
4. Drying mature seeds

Cooked vegetable

Always boil beans for at least 10-15 minutes to destroy the toxic phasin.

1. Bean salad with onions and summer savory
2. Green beans with bacon
3. Stews
4. Buttered green beans

1. Young pods
2. Mature seeds

1. Raw pods
2. Raw seeds

Contains the protein phasin, which causes severe gastrointestinal distress. It is only neutralized by heating.

Never consume raw!

Easy

Allow the best pods to dry completely on the plant until the seeds rattle when shaken.

Only harvest from healthy, high-yielding plants without signs of anthracnose.

As an annual herbaceous plant, the common bean does not develop woody structures. Classification is primarily based on bush and pole growth habits.

Bean flowers provide nectar for bumblebees and wild bees. As legumes, they improve soil life through symbiosis with rhizobia.

1. Only sow beans when the soil temperature is at least 12°C, otherwise the seeds often rot in the ground.

2. Slightly earthing up the young plants (about 10 cm high) improves stability.

Prepare soil, set up climbing frames.

Peak time for irrigation and continuous harvesting.

Wait for seed maturity for home seed saving.

Check storage of dried seeds.