How to Grow Yard Long Bean 'Amusu Black Seed' Red Noodle
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Yard Long Bean 'Amusu Black Seed' Red Noodle
Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
vegetableA vigorous climbing vine producing exceptionally long, slender pods that can reach 12-18 inches or more. This Asian variety features distinctive reddish-purple pods with black seeds and is prized for its tender texture and mild flavor. The plant is heat-loving and productive, yielding continuously throughout the warm season.
When should you plant Yard Long Bean 'Amusu Black Seed' Red Noodle in your zone?
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Example Yard Long Bean 'Amusu Black Seed' Red Noodle timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Yard Long Bean 'Amusu Black Seed' Red Noodle
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 Yard Long Bean 'Amusu Black Seed' Red Noodle
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Yard Long Bean 'Amusu Black Seed' Red Noodle dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as annual in zones 3-8 with long, warm season
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Get my Yard Long Bean 'Amusu Black Seed' Red Noodle timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. First true leaves appear compound and slightly hairy. Plant is delicate and low-growing.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Protect from strong winds.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksRapid vine elongation with dense foliage development. Plant climbs and sprawls; leaflets are oval and bright green. No flowers yet.
Provide sturdy trellis or support structure early. Apply side dressing of balanced fertilizer at 3-4 weeks. Maintain consistent moisture. Prune lateral shoots if desired for bushier growth, though not necessary.
Flowering
3-4 weeks (staggered flowering)Small, delicate white to pale purple flowers bloom along the vine in clusters. Flowers typically appear in early morning and are pollinated by bees.
Continue consistent watering and feeding. Flowering indicates pods will form soon. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which reduces flowering. Ensure pollinators have access.
Pod Development & Early Harvest
4-6 weeksYoung pods emerge reddish-purple, elongating rapidly to 12-18+ inches. Pods are slender, smooth, and tender. Visible black seeds develop inside.
Begin harvesting pods when 8-10 inches long for most tender texture. Harvest frequently (every 2-3 days) to encourage continued production. Support heavy pod clusters if needed.
Peak Production & Harvest
6-8 weeks or until first frostPlant produces abundant long pods continuously. Mature pods remain colorful and tender when harvested young; if left to mature, pods become tougher and showcase black seeds prominently.
Maintain regular harvesting for maximum yield. Continue watering and feeding every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Remove any yellowing leaves. Production continues until frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect pods regularly; remove infested pods immediately. Store dried beans in sealed containers with bay leaves. Use neem oil spray on plants if needed.
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Spray foliage with strong water stream. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Increase humidity by overhead watering in hot weather.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Hand-pick beetles and eggs. Plant row covers early in season. Apply neem oil or spinosad spray if infestation is heavy.
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Spray with strong water stream. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Remove heavily infested plant parts.
Uses
Stir-fries & Asian cuisine
CulinaryYard long beans are a staple in Southeast Asian cooking, prized for their tender texture and ability to absorb flavors. The slender pods are ideal for stir-frying whole or cut into sections, often prepared with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. [source]
Fresh cooking & side dishes
CulinarySteam, boil, or sauté young pods as a vegetable side dish. Unlike common green beans, yard long beans remain tender even when longer and have a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor. [source]
Dried bean production
CulinaryIf pods are allowed to mature fully on the vine, the black seeds can be dried and stored as dried beans for soups, curries, and traditional recipes. High in protein and fiber. [source]
Garden structure & vertical growing
HouseholdThe vigorous climbing vines effectively cover trellises, arbors, and fences, providing both food production and ornamental value. The red-purple pods add visual interest while producing continuously. [source]
Pollinator & beneficial insect support
WildlifeDelicate flowers attract bees and other pollinators throughout the growing season. The dense foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects that help control garden pests. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when 8-10 inches long for optimal tenderness and flavor—do not wait for full maturity unless storing dried beans. Pods should snap cleanly when bent. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak production to encourage continuous fruiting. Cut pods with shears rather than pulling to avoid damaging the vine. Morning harvest yields crispest pods. For dried beans, allow pods to fully mature and dry on the vine, then shell and store in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Yard long beans can grow to 18 inches or longer in ideal conditions, earning their common name 'yard long bean.' Despite their length, they remain remarkably tender and are never tough like mature common green beans.
- 🌱 The 'Amusu Black Seed' variety is named after the distinctive black seeds found inside mature pods, which are highly valued in Asian cuisine both fresh and dried.
- 🌱 Yard long beans are extremely heat-loving and actually grow better and produce more in hot, humid climates where common beans would struggle—they thrive in temperatures above 75°F and can tolerate 90°F+ heat with consistent moisture.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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