Growing Beans - dwarf, also French beans, Bush beans

Phaseolus vulgaris : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P                 P P P

(Best months for growing Beans - dwarf in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 6 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks. Pick often to encourage more flower production.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, spinach, lettuce, summer savory, dill, carrots, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry and cucumbers, tagates minuta (wild marigold)
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (Chives, leek, garlic, onions) Sunflower

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
26 Oct 13, Daisy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I was about to transplant four bean seedlings this morning. But just right after I brought them out, two seedlings got their stems folded..they are not broken but not far away from broken. Anyone can help please???? Thanks very much!
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Oct 13, Violet (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
We have a lot of rain. Is this why my bean plants are going brown?
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Jun 13, ray (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
dwarf beans get about 18 inches and need a little support,they also prefer cool temps.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Nov 20, Anonymous (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
Hill the soil up around the bottom stem when about 10 (what?)
Reply or Post a new comment
02 May 13, Tean i growrence Bull (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
Question please :- Can I grow my dwarf beans in 12" tubs ? and how high do they grow ? or have I got to plant them along with my runner beans on canes ? Thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Apr 13, Mthandazo Moyo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi .... I'm in lesotho I would like to know under which climate I am. I think I fall under summer rains. So I just want to be sure of the dates for planting green beans. Thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Apr 13, bob marly (Australia - temperate climate)
how long does it take for dwarf beans to begin sprouting?
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Apr 13, Sustainable Jill (Australia - temperate climate)
Depends on temperature...and whether or not the seeds have been eaten, or rotted because they were too wet. If you are growing in the right temperature (warm) it shouldn't be very long - maybe a week or a bit longer if the soil is cool.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Feb 13, steve australia (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
yep the use of lime with beans is paramount and i get good germination by having my soil in adark damp friabiable condition and sow in furrow made by the back of rake and covered with apiece of old roof guttering untill they germinate
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Feb 13, Karl (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try a bit of beer in a can, such as an old tuna can or the like. The snails love the yeasty sugars and get trapped in the can.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 101 - 110 of 156 comments
See comments for all plants

Yes, but they must be fully mature. Normal eating quality beans will not germinate.

- Mullyguts

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.