Growing Beans - dwarf, also French beans, Bush beans

Phaseolus vulgaris : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S S         S S S S S
T T T T         T T T T
P P P         P P P P P

(Best months for growing Beans - dwarf in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 16°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 15 cm apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks. Pick often to encourage more flower production.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, spinach, lettuce, summer savory, dill, carrots, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry and cucumbers, tagates minuta (wild marigold)
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (Chives, leek, garlic, onions) Sunflower

Your comments and tips

16 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably bean fly laying eggs just above the ground in the stem of the plant. The lave eat the inside of the plant stem - it just dies. I plant in the spring now not the autumn - problem solved.
29 Sep 16, Lynne (Australia - temperate climate)
My newly planted bush beans are being eaten by something I put pet friendly snail bait what do I do please. ?
30 Sep 16, Jim (Australia - temperate climate)
I have same problem and it was earwigs.Look for them at night.
23 Sep 16, Peter Oberthur (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What bush beans should I plant that will not get destroyed by bean fly/bug. Generally my beans get to the flowering stage then the stem is attacked and they all fall over - dead. I live in Brisbane.
19 May 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have the same problem - plant March April and they grow really good then the stem is eaten and they fall over shrivel up and die. I have read to put Boron in the soil. I also read to grow them in the spring. I also read to put toilet roll cardboard centers over the plant into the soil to stop snails etc. When I first moved into this house 18 years ago in late September I planted beans and had a fantastic crop. I'm waiting until late winter to plant and I'm putting some trace elements in my soil - contains some boron. Will see how that goes.
26 Jul 16, Lyn Morton (Australia - tropical climate)
My dwarf beans plant a month ago in soil bought from Bunnings have weak stems and the leaves are yellowing. Please help.
09 Aug 16, Ann-Marie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Water with seaweed solution this week, next week gogo juice and continue for a few weeks. I would apply one or two applications of liquid calcium to the seedlings and soil also.
19 Mar 16, peggy (Australia - temperate climate)
my friend bought and planted dwarf beans. They flourished, looked good, but all the developing beans have fallen off. Why.
19 Jul 16, Andy (Australia - temperate climate)
Beans (and peas for that matter) have a habit of dropping immature pods if watering is inconsistent or inadequate. Thicker mulch layer with help retain soil moisture
07 Nov 15, John McKean (Australia - temperate climate)
My bush beans are struggling this year. They are in a raised bed 10m long. Half is broad beans and half is bush beans. The broad beans are flourishing but the bush beans are struggling to get out of the ground. About half didn't germinate and the leaves on many have been chewed by something. I have planted new seeds in the locations where the first planting didn't take. Many other vegies in my vegie garden are doing very well. Any tips?
Showing 41 - 50 of 107 comments

My beans have got a dry and curly leaf on lower branches. My soil is very good but maybe too well drained. Any advice please

- Michael Hollis

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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