How to Grow Purple Long Pod Bean Velour
Wikimedia Commons
Purple Long Pod Bean Velour
Phaseolus vulgaris
vegetablePurple Long Pod Bean Velour is a French filet bean variety producing long, slender, purple pods with tender, delicate flavor. This climbing vine bean reaches 6-7 feet and yields abundantly throughout the season with minimal strings. The purple color fades slightly when cooked but retains excellent taste and nutritional value.
When should you plant Purple Long Pod Bean Velour in your zone?
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Example Purple Long Pod Bean Velour timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple Long Pod Bean Velour
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 Purple Long Pod Bean Velour
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Long Pod Bean Velour dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-8 are ideal; can grow in 4-9 with proper timing
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Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge 7-10 days after planting; first true leaves appear shortly after
Keep soil consistently moist. Protect from strong winds. Ensure good air circulation to prevent damping off. Thin seedlings if direct sown.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall, delicate purple or white flowers bloom in clusters along the vine; flowers are self-pollinating
Continue consistent watering and support. Do not over-fertilize or excess nitrogen will reduce flowering. Bees may visit; avoid pesticides during bloom.
Pod Development
2-3 weeksFlowers set into long, slender purple pods; pods elongate to 7-9 inches with tender texture
Maintain even moisture for pod quality and tenderness. Continue supporting vines. Pick regularly to encourage continued production.
Harvest
4-6 weeksPods reach full length and tender stage; purple color is vibrant and pods snap cleanly when bent
Harvest every 2-3 days when pods are 7-9 inches long and still tender. Wear gloves to protect vines when picking. Continuous harvest prolongs production through season.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick adults and egg clusters; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation occurs
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Use row covers early in season; remove debris where beetles overwinter; apply kaolin clay or insecticidal soap if needed
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Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or miticide if severe
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first signs
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Remove infected leaves promptly; improve air circulation; apply copper fungicide if needed
Uses
Fresh Garden Vegetable
CulinaryPurple Long Pod Velour beans are prized for their tender texture and delicate flavor when harvested young. They are excellent steamed, sautéed with garlic, or served fresh in salads. [source]
French Cuisine
CulinaryThis variety is a classic French haricot, particularly valued for traditional haricots verts preparations. The beans retain their delicate texture and subtle flavor when cooked properly. [source]
Freezing & Preservation
CulinaryTender pods can be blanched and frozen for winter use, retaining good texture and color for several months. They are also suitable for canning in vinegar-based preparations. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDelicate flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making this an excellent plant for supporting garden ecosystems and pollinator populations. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation
HouseholdLike all legumes, Purple Long Pod Velour beans form nitrogen-fixing nodules on roots, naturally enriching soil for subsequent crops and reducing fertilizer needs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when 7-9 inches long and still tender, before they become overly mature and stringy. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continuous flowering and production. Pods mature from bottom of plant upward. Harvest in morning when plants are dry. Hold vine gently with one hand while picking with the other to avoid damaging the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The distinctive purple color comes from anthocyanin pigments—the same compounds that make blueberries and red cabbage nutritious. The color fades when cooked but the antioxidants remain.
- 🌱 French filet beans like Velour are called 'haricots verts' and were popularized in French cuisine during the 17th century, becoming a staple of elegant French cooking.
- 🌱 Purple Long Pod Bean Velour produces pods in continuous waves throughout the season if harvested regularly—picking every 2-3 days can yield over 2 pounds per plant in a single season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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