How to Grow Burpee's Improved Bush Bean
Burpee's Improved Bush Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
vegetableBurpee's Improved is a classic green bean variety bred for reliable production and disease resistance. This bush bean produces abundant pods on compact, 18-24 inch plants that require no staking. It's a favorite for home gardeners and commercial growers alike, valued for its tender, stringless pods and consistent yields.
When should you plant Burpee's Improved Bush Bean in your zone?
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Example Burpee's Improved Bush Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burpee's Improved Bush Bean
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Burpee's Improved Bush Bean
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burpee's Improved Bush Bean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; plant in spring after last frost and again in mid-summer for fall harvest
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Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout in 7-10 days; cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves
Keep soil warm (70-80°F optimal) and consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct sown. Protect from heavy rain and wind damage.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves and forms bushy structure; no flowers yet
Ensure consistent watering and full sun exposure. Apply light mulch around base to retain moisture. Monitor for early pest issues.
Flowering
1-2 weeksSmall white or purple flowers appear at leaf axils; plant reaches near-mature size
Maintain even soil moisture to prevent flower drop. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers. Provide stakes or support if winds are strong.
Pod Development & Early Harvest
2-3 weeksPods form and rapidly elongate to 5-6 inches; beans inside remain tender and small
Pick pods regularly (every 2-3 days) to encourage continued production. Harvest pods when young and tender for best flavor and texture.
Peak Production
3-4 weeksPlant produces abundant, uniform pods; continuous flowering extends season
Maintain consistent harvesting schedule. Keep watering steady. Watch for signs of disease stress from constant moisture.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and eggs daily; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; row covers for seedlings; crop rotation
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Increase humidity through consistent watering; spray with water; neem oil; avoid excessive heat stress
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Control aphids to prevent spread; remove infected plants; practice crop rotation; plant certified disease-free seeds
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Improve air circulation; water at soil level, not overhead; sulfur dust or neem oil spray; remove infected leaves
Uses
Fresh Steamed or Sautéed
CulinaryBurpee's Improved beans are tender and flavorful when eaten fresh as a green vegetable. Their stringless quality makes them ideal for quick cooking—simply steam, stir-fry, or sauté with garlic and oil. [source]
Blanching and Freezing
CulinaryPods freeze exceptionally well for winter use. Blanch for 3 minutes, chill in ice water, drain, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 8 months. [source]
Canning & Preservation
CulinaryBurpee's Improved beans can be processed in a pressure canner for long-term shelf storage as a home-canned vegetable, following USDA guidelines. [source]
Seed Saving
HouseholdAllow a few pods to mature fully and dry on the plant. Shell and store dried beans for next season's planting. This heirloom-friendly variety breeds true from seed. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Health
WildlifeLike all legumes, beans form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil, enriching soil fertility naturally. Incorporate spent plants into compost or till back into garden beds. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pick pods when 5-6 inches long, tender, and snap easily. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continuous production. Early morning harvesting yields crispest pods. Beans are stringless and may be eaten whole. Avoid harvesting when plants are wet to prevent disease spread.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burpee's Improved was developed by the W. Atlee Burpee Company in the early 1900s and remains one of the most reliable and widely grown green bean varieties in North America.
- 🌱 Bean pods are technically legume fruits and are completely edible when young, including the seeds inside—once the pods mature and dry, the dried beans inside can be stored for years and used as a dried staple.
- 🌱 Beans are so nutrient-dense that they were used as a primary protein source by many ancient civilizations, and nitrogen-fixing beans helped sustain sustainable agriculture long before synthetic fertilizers existed.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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