How to Grow Yard Long Bean Red
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Yard Long Bean Red
Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
vegetableYard long beans, also called asparagus beans or snake beans, are a heat-loving legume producing long, slender pods that can reach 12-18 inches in length. The red variety features deep burgundy pods with excellent flavor and tender texture. This Asian vegetable is prolific, productive, and ideal for warm-season gardens.
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Example Yard Long Bean Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Yard Long Bean Red
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 Red
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Yard Long Bean Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-11; can be grown in zone 6 with proper timing
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Seedling
2-3 weeksEmerging cotyledons with first true leaves; delicate vine growth with tendrils beginning to form
Provide warmth (70-80°F minimum); keep soil consistently moist; protect from direct strong winds; install trellis/support early
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVigorous vine development with climbing tendrils; lush green foliage (red varieties show burgundy tones); plants rapidly cover trellis
Provide sturdy vertical support; water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; pinch back growing tips to encourage branching if desired
Flowering
2-3 weeksDelicate small flowers (white, purple, or pink) appear along vines; flowers are indicative of pod production to follow
Maintain consistent watering; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over excessive foliage; ensure adequate sunlight
Pod Development & Fruiting
4-6 weeks (extends with succession planting)Long slender red/burgundy pods develop and elongate to 12-18 inches; pods transition from bright red to darker burgundy when mature
Water consistently; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced formula; harvest frequently to encourage continued production; support heavy pod load with ties to trellis
Harvest & Late Season
Until first frostPeak production period; pods ready for picking every 2-3 days; plants remain productive until frost
Harvest pods when 8-12 inches long for tender texture; continuous picking stimulates more flowers; reduce watering as frost approaches; plants naturally slow production in late season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure adequate humidity and airflow
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Hand-pick adults and egg clusters; use neem oil; plant row covers during early season
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Ensure good air circulation; spray with baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water); use sulfur dust if needed
Uses
Fresh vegetable cooking
CulinaryYard long beans are tender when harvested young and can be steamed, stir-fried, sautéed, or boiled. The red variety has a slightly sweet, delicate flavor reminiscent of asparagus. Excellent in Asian cuisine including curries, stir-fries, and salads. [source]
Quick-cooking vegetable
CulinaryYoung pods cook in just 5-10 minutes, making them ideal for weeknight meals. The tender texture and subtle flavor pair well with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. [source]
High in protein and fiber
NutritionalAs a legume, yard long beans provide excellent plant-based protein and dietary fiber. Also rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals including iron and potassium. [source]
Abundant home production
HouseholdA single well-tended plant can produce dozens of pods throughout the season, providing fresh vegetables from summer through fall frost. Ideal for succession planting. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeDelicate flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting broader ecosystem health while benefiting other crops. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when 8-12 inches long for optimal tenderness; pods become tougher and more fibrous if left too long. Pick every 2-3 days at peak season to encourage continuous flowering. Pods should snap cleanly when bent. Wear gloves as some red varieties have fine hairs on pods. Best harvested in early morning. Can be harvested from 60-75 days after planting until first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Yard long beans can grow 12-18 inches in a single day during peak season, earning them the nickname 'snake bean' in some regions due to their sinuous appearance.
- 🌱 These beans originated in Africa but are now a staple vegetable throughout Asia, particularly in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia where they are known as 'fava beans' or 'chingri'.
- 🌱 As a nitrogen-fixing legume, yard long beans improve soil fertility and can be tilled back into garden beds at season's end to enrich soil for next year's crops.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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