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
27 Aug 11, (Australia - tropical climate)
try an organic spray
Reply or Post a new comment
16 May 11, arthur (Australia - temperate climate)
Dwarf beans May the 10. Do you add lime to to your soil a coup[e of weeks before planting beans-peas, cabbage etc? Soil balance is important.Arthur. (only small amounts)
Reply or Post a new comment
10 May 11, Leanne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted my bean seedlings 2-3weeks ago and I noticed that the leaves all have white/yellow spots on them. Any idea what might be wrong with them or what I need to do?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Dec 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Bean disaster!! Someone forgot to close the gate in the "hare proof" fence and where we had three rows of dwarf beans with their first proper leaves - we now have three rows of stems only :(
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Oct 10, Jumbee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Bean seeds germinated properly and I have planted as directed in the packet. Should I put any support for the plants for climbing? Or its okay to let them grow by their own? because I found the stem is very soft. Thank you.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Dec 10, steven (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same question do I need to use stakes or some other form of support ?
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Feb 11, Alexis (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi - you don't need to stake dwarf or bush beans. They only grow to 40-60 cm tall and support themselves. Climbing beans, on the other hand, of course need something to climb up.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 May 11, Colby (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I don't stake my beans. But I do put stakes at the end of each row and run some string along both sides of the row so it can hold up the branches. So they are leaning over the string. It keeps them off the groung and stops them from getting to tangled.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Jan 13, Mos (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I like the idea of the stakes and string. I shall try that.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Aug 10, Lorna Larsen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi there I need some help with my vegie garden. A few weeks ago we noticed some seedlings popping up randomly through our garden beds, and we know they are some type of bean but we are not sure what. If anyone knows of a great website that will help me identify the seedlings it would GREATLY appreciated :) Thanx Lorna
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 121 - 130 of 156 comments
See comments for all plants

I don't stake my beans. But I do put stakes at the end of each row and run some string along both sides of the row so it can hold up the branches. So they are leaning over the string. It keeps them off the groung and stops them from getting to tangled.

- Colby

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.