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How to Grow Asparagus Bean 'Crimson Resistant'

Asparagus Bean 'Crimson Resistant'

Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis

vegetable

A heat-loving legume producing long, slender purple pods that can reach 12-18 inches in length. This cultivar is specifically bred for resistance to Crimson Red Mite damage, making it ideal for warm climates. The plant is vigorous and vining, producing abundantly throughout the growing season.

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Example Asparagus Bean 'Crimson Resistant' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Asparagus Bean 'Crimson Resistant'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Asparagus Bean 'Crimson Resistant'

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Asparagus Bean 'Crimson Resistant' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; prefers 8+ hours
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 inches per week, more during extreme heat. Reduce watering slightly once established to encourage deeper rooting.
📏
Spacing: 4 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-75 days
🌱
Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or well-rotted manure Balanced fertilizer (avoid excess nitrogen) Perlite or sand if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as a warm-season annual in zones 7-8

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout within 7-10 days in warm soil. Seedlings develop true leaves and begin climbing behavior.

Soak seeds 2-4 hours before planting to speed germination. Soil temperature should be at least 70°F (ideally 75-85°F). Provide support structure early.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Vigorous vine growth with 6-8 leaves per node. Plant establishes root system and extends climbing tendrils.

Install sturdy trellising (6-8 feet tall) early to guide growth. Apply consistent moisture and light fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for early pest signs.

3

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Small white, pink, or lavender flowers appear in clusters along the vine. Flowers precede pod development.

Maintain consistent watering and support vigorous vine growth. Apply balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer to encourage flowering. Hand-pollinate if bee activity is low.

4

Pod Development & Fruiting

4-6 weeks

Long, slender purple pods develop and elongate rapidly, reaching 12-18 inches. Pods may be slightly curved or straight depending on variety.

Begin harvesting young pods when 6-8 inches long for tender texture. Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Harvest frequently to encourage continued pod production.

5

Mature/Seed Production

2-3 weeks

If pods are left unharvested, they mature further, darken, and harden as seeds develop inside.

Save a few pods for seed production if desired. Allow 2-3 pods to mature fully on the vine. Harvest seed pods when fully dry and brown; shell and store seeds in cool, dry conditions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Corn Squash Cucumber Nasturtium Marigold Tomato Basil

Avoid planting near:

Onion Garlic Fennel Other heavy nitrogen-fixing crops in close proximity Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) in same bed

Common Pests

  • This cultivar is specifically resistant; monitor for early signs. Apply neem oil or sulfur sprays if encountered on susceptible varieties nearby. Maintain good air circulation.

  • Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply neem oil, insecticidal soap, or sulfur in early morning. Increase humidity and air circulation.

  • Use yellow sticky traps. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs.

  • Hand-pick adults and egg clusters. Use row covers early in season. Apply spinosad or pyrethrin-based insecticides if infestation is severe.

  • Spray with strong water jet. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.

Uses

🍳

Tender Vegetable for Stir-Fries & Sautés

Culinary

Young asparagus bean pods are crisp and tender, perfect for Asian cuisine. They can be steamed, stir-fried, or sautéed with garlic and ginger. [source]

🍳

Fresh Salads & Cold Dishes

Culinary

Lightly blanched and chilled pods add a delicate crunch to salads and cold noodle dishes. Popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine & Nutrition

Medicinal

Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals. Used in traditional Asian medicine for digestive health and nutritional support. [source]

🏠

Nitrogen Fixation for Soil Health

Household

As a legume, asparagus beans fix atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility for subsequent crops. Useful in crop rotation systems. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity and overall ecosystem health. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting when pods are 6-8 inches long for best tenderness. Snap or cut pods from the vine gently to avoid damaging the plant. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak production to encourage continuous flowering and fruiting. Young pods are most tender and flavorful. Pods harvested at 10-12 inches are still acceptable but may be slightly tougher. Morning harvest yields the crispest pods.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Asparagus beans are also called yard-long beans, snake beans, or sitao in Chinese, because their pods can grow to remarkable lengths—sometimes reaching 18-20 inches or more.
  • 🌱 Unlike common green beans, asparagus beans are actually a subspecies of black-eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata) and are far more heat-tolerant, thriving in the hottest parts of summer when regular beans struggle.
  • 🌱 The 'Crimson Resistant' cultivar was specifically bred to resist Crimson Red Mite damage, making it an excellent choice for organic growers in warm climates who want to avoid pesticide applications.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Germination pH Trellis True Leaves
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