How to Grow Yard Long Bean Red Seeded
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Yard Long Bean Red Seeded
Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
vegetableYard long beans, also called asparagus beans or snake beans, are a tropical legume producing exceptionally long, slender pods that can reach 12-18 inches. The red seeded variety is prized for its ornamental deep red seeds and excellent flavor. These vining plants are vigorous growers that thrive in warm climates and require sturdy support structures.
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Example Yard Long Bean Red Seeded timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Yard Long Bean Red Seeded
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 Seeded
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Yard Long Bean Red Seeded 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 8-10 with proper timing
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Get my Yard Long Bean Red Seeded timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksEmergence of cotyledons followed by first true leaves; plant is low-growing and tender
Maintain warm soil (70-80°F), keep evenly moist, thin to proper spacing. Protect from wind.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVigorous vine development with compound leaves; plant climbs or sprawls depending on support structure
Install sturdy trellis or support early. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Maintain consistent moisture and warmth.
Flowering
2-3 weeksClusters of small white, pale pink, or purple flowers appear along the vines; flowers are self-fertile
Maintain consistent watering and warmth. Reduce nitrogen to encourage flowering over leaf growth. Ensure excellent air circulation.
Pod Development & Harvest
4-6 weeksLong, slender pods elongate rapidly to 12-18 inches; pods are deep green when immature with visible red seeds developing inside
Begin harvesting at 6-8 inches for tender texture, or allow full maturity. Frequent picking encourages more production. Continue regular watering.
Seed Maturation
2-3 weeksPods mature to dry stage, seeds develop full red color and harden; plant may decline as temperatures cool in fall
Leave mature pods on vine for 1-2 weeks if saving seeds. Allow pods to dry naturally. Harvest before frost in cooler zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect seeds before planting; store dried seeds with neem oil or diatomaceous earth; use row covers on young plants
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; improve air circulation and humidity; neem oil applications
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Encourage beneficial insects; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; use reflective mulches
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Hand-pick beetles early morning; use row covers on seedlings; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap
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Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap; vacuum adults off foliage
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Scout regularly for eggs and larvae; remove affected pods; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Tender Vegetable
CulinaryImmature pods are eaten whole or sliced, with a delicate asparagus-like flavor when cooked. Popular in Asian stir-fries, curries, and steamed dishes. [source]
Mature Bean Protein
CulinaryFully mature, dried red seeds are cooked as legumes with earthy flavor and nutritional density. Rich in protein and fiber. [source]
Digestive Support
MedicinalTraditional use in Asian medicine for digestive health and cooling properties. Contains beneficial compounds supporting gut function. [source]
Seed Saving & Heirloom
HouseholdExcellent variety for home seed saving due to distinct red seeds and reliable germination. Preserves genetic diversity in home gardens. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeFlowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting garden pollinator populations while providing food. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when pods are 6-8 inches long for maximum tenderness and flavor, before seeds fully enlarge. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continuous production. Snap or cut pods cleanly from vine to avoid damage. For seed saving, allow pods to remain on plant until fully mature and dry (6-8 weeks after flowering), then shell and cure seeds in cool, dry location. Red seeds should be fully developed and hard before storing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite the name 'yard long bean,' most varieties actually reach 12-18 inches rather than a full 36 inches, though exceptional specimens can approach yard length
- 🌱 The red-seeded variety is particularly valued in Southeast Asian cuisine where the distinctive seeds are used both as fresh pods and mature dried legumes in traditional recipes
- 🌱 Yard long beans are nitrogen-fixing legumes that improve soil health by converting atmospheric nitrogen with the help of symbiotic bacteria in root nodules
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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