How to Grow Yard Long Bean Improved Burgundy
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Yard Long Bean Improved Burgundy
Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
vegetableYard Long Bean Improved Burgundy is an Asian legume producing exceptionally long, slender pods that can reach 12-18 inches, with distinctive deep burgundy coloring that turns dark purple when cooked. This heat-loving vine grows vigorously and produces abundantly throughout the warm season. The pods are tender, slightly sweet, and more tender than traditional snap beans when harvested young.
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Example Yard Long Bean Improved Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Yard Long Bean Improved Burgundy
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 Improved Burgundy
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Yard Long Bean Improved Burgundy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown in zone 8 with protection and season extension
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Get my Yard Long Bean Improved Burgundy timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksEmergence occurs within 7-10 days with seed leaves (cotyledons) and first true leaves developing
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide full sun once sprouted. Thin to proper spacing early
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid vine growth with multiple stems developing; plant becomes bushy and begins to climb support structures; leaves are pinnate and medium green
Install sturdy support/trellis early (4-6 feet tall minimum). Water regularly. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch around base to retain moisture
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall, delicate flowers in shades of white to pale purple appear along the vines; flowers are self-pollinating
Continue watering consistently. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering over excessive vegetative growth. Flowers typically appear 4-6 weeks after planting
Pod Development & Fruiting
6-8 weeksBurgundy pods develop rapidly and elongate to 12-18 inches, remaining tender if harvested regularly; multiple pods develop along vine nodes
Harvest pods every 2-3 days when 8-12 inches long for maximum tenderness. Continue consistent watering and feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks
Peak Production & Harvest
4-6 weeks or until frostPlant reaches full productive capacity with abundant pod formation; burgundy color deepens and becomes more pronounced
Maintain aggressive harvesting schedule to encourage continued flowering. Keep vines supported as weight increases. Monitor for pests attracted to productive plants
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters. Use neem oil spray. Encourage beneficial insects. Row covers for young plants
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Insecticidal soap spray. Reflective mulch to confuse insects. Yellow sticky traps. Maintain good air circulation
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Regular misting to increase humidity. Neem oil or sulfur spray. Remove heavily infested leaves. Encourage predatory mites
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap. Neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings with flowering plants
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Hand-pick affected pods. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Remove damaged pods immediately. Maintain clean garden practices
Uses
Stir-fry and Asian cuisines
CulinaryYard long beans are traditional in Asian cooking, particularly Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisines. They can be stir-fried with garlic and sauce, boiled, or steamed as a tender side dish that holds texture well during cooking. [source]
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryYoung, tender pods can be eaten raw in salads or as a crunchy snack. They have a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to regular green beans, making them appealing fresh from the garden. [source]
Preservation and storage
CulinaryPods can be blanched and frozen for winter storage, pickled, or dried. The Improved Burgundy variety retains good color and texture when preserved. [source]
Garden structure and aesthetics
HouseholdThe vigorous vines with burgundy pods create attractive vertical garden displays on trellises, arbors, or fences, providing both ornamental appeal and food production. [source]
Nitrogen fixation and soil enrichment
WildlifeAs a legume, yard long beans fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules, enriching soil naturally and reducing fertilizer needs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when 8-12 inches long and still tender, approximately 55-65 days after planting. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continuous production. Pods become stringy and tough if left too long on the vine. The burgundy color is most pronounced in mature pods but flavor is best at younger stage. Harvest in the morning when pods are crisp. Continue harvesting until frost kills the plant
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Yard long beans earned their common name from their extreme length—mature pods can stretch 12-18 inches (or longer in ideal conditions), far exceeding typical snap beans
- 🌱 The Improved Burgundy variety is a relatively modern selection, bred for darker, more visually striking pod color compared to traditional green yard long beans while maintaining or improving yield
- 🌱 In traditional Chinese medicine and Asian cultures, yard long beans (asparagus beans) have been grown for over a thousand years and remain a staple in Southeast Asian vegetable gardens
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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