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

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16 May 11, arthur (Australia - temperate climate)
Dwarf beans May the 10. Do you add lime to to your soil a coup[e of weeks before planting beans-peas, cabbage etc? Soil balance is important.Arthur. (only small amounts)
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10 May 11, Leanne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted my bean seedlings 2-3weeks ago and I noticed that the leaves all have white/yellow spots on them. Any idea what might be wrong with them or what I need to do?
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05 Oct 10, Jumbee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Bean seeds germinated properly and I have planted as directed in the packet. Should I put any support for the plants for climbing? Or its okay to let them grow by their own? because I found the stem is very soft. Thank you.
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10 Dec 10, steven (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same question do I need to use stakes or some other form of support ?
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15 Feb 11, Alexis (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi - you don't need to stake dwarf or bush beans. They only grow to 40-60 cm tall and support themselves. Climbing beans, on the other hand, of course need something to climb up.
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10 May 11, Colby (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I don't stake my beans. But I do put stakes at the end of each row and run some string along both sides of the row so it can hold up the branches. So they are leaning over the string. It keeps them off the groung and stops them from getting to tangled.
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28 Jan 13, Mos (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I like the idea of the stakes and string. I shall try that.
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18 Apr 10, Heck (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have planted dwarf beans for the third time and once again as they reach a height of about 20 cm the stalks go brown and become very soft and the leaves turn yellow and the plant falls over and karks it. I don't think I'm over watering them but we have had a lot of rain of late. I need help please
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28 Apr 10, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Maybe bean fly (see comment below from brian)
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27 Apr 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It sounds like too much water. Are you growing them in a raised bed to improve drainage?
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Showing 81 - 90 of 107 comments
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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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