How to Grow Royal Burgundy Bean
Wikimedia Commons
Royal Burgundy Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
vegetableRoyal Burgundy is a bush bean variety prized for its striking deep purple pods and exceptional flavor. These determinate plants produce abundantly and mature quickly, making them ideal for home gardeners. The beans are excellent fresh, frozen, or cooked, and turn green when heated.
When should you plant Royal Burgundy Bean in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Royal Burgundy Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Royal Burgundy Bean
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Royal Burgundy Bean
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Royal Burgundy Bean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best in zones 5-8
Sign up free to see if Royal Burgundy Bean grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Royal Burgundy Bean timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
7-14 daysSeeds sprout within 7-10 days. Seedlings emerge with cotyledons and develop true leaves.
Ensure soil temperature is 60-70°F minimum. Keep soil consistently moist. Thin to proper spacing early. Protect from slugs and cutworms.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksCompact bush plant grows 12-16 inches tall with full foliage development. Plants become bushy and sturdy.
Provide consistent moisture and full sun. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer if growth appears slow. Support with low stakes if needed in windy areas.
Flowering
1-2 weeksSmall white or light purple flowers appear in clusters along the stems. Flowers are delicate and short-lived.
Maintain consistent watering during this critical stage. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease. Ensure good air circulation. Do not apply excessive nitrogen.
Pod Development & Growth
2-3 weeksPurple pods develop rapidly after pollination, reaching 5-6 inches in length. Pods are firm, tender, and deeply colored.
Continue regular watering without allowing waterlogging. Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production. Watch for pests during this stage.
Harvest & Maturation
Ongoing until frost or plant declinePods reach full size and ideal tenderness. If left unpicked, pods may mature to dry beans for seed saving.
Harvest regularly for peak tenderness and flavor. Handle plants gently to avoid breaking stems. For seed saving, allow pods to dry fully on the plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick beetles; use row covers early season; spray with neem oil or spinosad if severe
-
Handpick adults and yellow egg clusters; use spinosad; plant trap crops like nasturtiums nearby
-
Increase humidity by misting; spray with water spray or insecticidal soap; use neem oil
-
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; neem oil
-
Avoid overhead watering; ensure good air circulation; remove infected leaves; apply sulfur dust if needed
Uses
Fresh & Cooked Vegetable
CulinaryRoyal Burgundy beans are excellent steamed, sautéed, roasted, or blanched. They have a slightly sweet, buttery flavor and tender texture when picked young. The striking purple color makes them visually appealing in salads and side dishes. [source]
Dry Bean Storage
CulinaryMature, dried beans can be stored for months and used in soups, stews, and bean salads. They provide excellent plant-based protein and fiber. [source]
Freezing & Preservation
CulinaryBlanch and freeze Royal Burgundy beans for year-round use. They retain their flavor and texture well when properly frozen. [source]
Nutritional Health
MedicinalBeans are rich in folate, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Regular consumption supports cardiovascular health and stable blood sugar. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBean flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity and fruit set. [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 they reach 5-6 inches long and pods snap cleanly when bent—typically 50-60 days after planting. Pick every 2-3 days for peak tenderness and to encourage more flowering. Morning harvests after dew dries yield the crispest pods. Pods change from deep purple to dark green when cooked. For dry beans, allow pods to brown and dry on the plant, then shell and store in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Royal Burgundy beans are an heirloom variety that changes from deep purple to dark green when cooked due to heat transforming the anthocyanin pigments.
- 🌱 Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants that form symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules, enriching soil naturally without synthetic fertilizers.
- 🌱 A single Royal Burgundy bean plant can produce 50-100 pods over a growing season if harvested regularly, making it extremely productive for small spaces.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Royal Burgundy Bean planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Royal Burgundy Bean seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Royal Burgundy Bean timeline →