How to Grow Red Seeded Yard Long Bean

Red Seeded Yard Long Bean

Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis

vegetable

Red Seeded Yard Long Bean is an Asian variety of long bean producing slender, elongated pods that can reach 12-18 inches in length. These vining plants are prolific producers and thrive in warm climates, offering a tender, mild flavor similar to green beans with a unique texture. The red seeds distinguish this variety from the more common black-seeded types.

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Example Red Seeded Yard Long Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Red Seeded Yard Long Bean
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Red Seeded Yard Long Bean
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Seeded Yard Long Bean dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 7-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Consistent moisture during growing season; water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Avoid waterlogging. Increase frequency during flowering and pod development. Drought-tolerant once established but produces better with regular watering.

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Spacing: 4 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-75 days from transplant; 70-90 days from seed

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Planting depth: 1

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost aged manure peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 8 and above with sufficient warmth

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

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout within 7-10 days. Seedlings develop first true leaves and establish a small root system.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warmth (75-85°F ideal). Protect from direct wind.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple leaves and strong vine growth. Nodes appear where flowering will occur. Vigorous upward and outward expansion.

Provide sturdy trellis or support structure immediately. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Ensure consistent watering.

Flowering

2-3 weeks (overlapping with pod development)

Small, delicate purple, pink, or lavender flowers appear along the vines. Flowers are self-pollinating but benefit from insect visitation.

Maintain consistent watering and warmth. Avoid excessive nitrogen which delays flowering. Support heavy vine growth. Pollinating insects are beneficial.

Pod Development & Growth

3-4 weeks

Pods elongate rapidly, reaching 12-18 inches. Green pods develop their characteristic slender shape. Pods grow noticeably daily in warm conditions.

Water consistently and deeply. Fertilize with balanced or slightly lower-nitrogen fertilizer. Monitor for pests. Support vines as they become heavy with pods.

Harvest & Continued Production

4-8 weeks (until frost or plant senescence)

Pods reach full length and tender stage. Plants continue flowering and producing new pods throughout the warm season.

Harvest regularly every 2-3 days to encourage continuous production. Remove mature or tough pods promptly. Continue watering and light fertilizing.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

corn squash pumpkin cucumber tomato basil marigold nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

onion garlic fennel brassicas (cabbage, broccoli)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Increase humidity and watering; spray undersides of leaves with water; use miticide if severe; neem oil effective
Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters; use row covers early in season; apply spinosad or neem oil
Yellow sticky traps; strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; ensure good air circulation
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon)

Uses

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Fresh & Cooked Dishes

Culinary

Young tender pods are excellent lightly steamed, stir-fried, or sautéed with garlic and oil. They can be eaten raw in salads, added to soups, or curried. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, similar to green beans but with a unique texture. [source]

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Dried Seeds & Legume Protein

Culinary

Mature red seeds can be dried and stored for months. They are cooked into soups, curries, and grain dishes as a protein source, with an earthy, nutty flavor similar to black-eyed peas. [source]

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Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement

Household

Like all legumes, yard long beans fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, naturally enriching the soil. After harvest, incorporate plant material or plant residue into soil as a green manure to improve fertility. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

The delicate flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The vigorous vines provide shelter and habitat for beneficial insects that help control garden pests. [source]

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Traditional Medicine & Nutrition

Medicinal

In traditional Asian medicine, yard long beans are valued for their cooling properties and used to support digestive health. Pods are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and minerals. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Harvest pods when 10-14 inches long and still tender, before they become tough and stringy. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continuous flowering and production. Pods should snap cleanly when bent. Harvest in early morning when pods are crisp. Green pods are tender; if left to mature, red seeds can be dried and stored for replanting or cooking. Regular harvesting extends the productive season until frost.

Fun Facts

🌱 Red Seeded Yard Long Beans can grow 18+ inches in a single day under ideal warm conditions, sometimes referred to as 'asparagus beans' in some cuisines.
🌱 The plant's red-colored seeds are distinctive; when matured and dried, they are valued for cooking and replanting, making this variety particularly practical for seed-saving gardeners.
🌱 Yard long beans originated in Asia and are staple crops throughout Southeast Asia, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years and are eaten fresh, dried, and as sprouts.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Trellis True Leaves

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