10 Different Varieties of Green Beans: Grow These in Your Garden

10 Different Varieties of Green Beans: Grow These in Your Garden

From classic snap beans to exotic heirlooms, these ten green bean varieties offer diverse flavors, colors, and growth habits. Perfect for gardeners seeking variety, better yields, or unique culinary experiences.

1

Blue Lake Bush Bean

Blue Lake Bush Bean

If you want a foolproof start to green bean growing, Blue Lake Bush Bean is the classic choice that never disappoints. This variety has earned its reputation as the most popular home garden bean for its tender, stringless pods and adaptability across climates.

It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, producing abundant 5-6 inch pods in about 55 days. The compact plants don’t need staking, making them perfect for small spaces or container gardens. You’ll love how these beans hold their flavor whether eaten fresh or preserved.

Beginners and canning enthusiasts swear by this variety for its reliable performance and classic green bean taste. 🌱

2

Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean

Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean

For gardeners with limited space but big ambitions, Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean is your vertical solution. This heirloom variety transforms small gardens into high-yielding bean factories with its climbing habit and long, stringless pods.

You’ll need a sturdy trellis or pole system as these vines can reach 6-8 feet tall. The 8-9 inch pods are perfect for fresh eating or drying for winter storage. Plant in full sun and watch as this variety outperforms bush types in productivity per square foot.

Urban gardeners and those with small plots will love how this variety maximizes space while delivering abundant harvests. 🌱

3

Purple Peacock Broccoli Bean

Purple Peacock Broccoli Bean

This isn’t your average green bean—Purple Peacock Broccoli Bean brings drama to the garden with its striking magenta pods and rich green foliage. What makes it truly special is its dual-purpose nature: both the pods and tender young leaves are edible.

The vines grow vigorously, reaching 5-6 feet, so provide sturdy support. The pods start deep purple but turn green when cooked, creating a stunning color transformation. Plant in full sun and well-draining soil for best results, with harvests ready in about 60 days.

Perfect for gardeners who love unique varieties that double as ornamental plants. 🌿

4

Yellow Wax Bean

Yellow Wax Bean

Add a splash of sunshine to your garden with yellow wax beans, the golden alternative to traditional green varieties. These vibrant pods bring visual appeal and a mild, sweet flavor that’s especially delightful when eaten fresh.

Growing in bush form, they reach maturity in about 55-60 days and produce tender, stringless pods that are less fibrous than their green counterparts. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great choice for beginners or those looking for a low-maintenance crop.

Perfect for gardeners who love snacking straight from the vine or adding a pop of color to their harvest basket. 🌱

5

Dragon Tongue Bush Bean

Dragon Tongue Bush Bean

Add visual flair to your garden with Dragon Tongue Bush Bean, a Dutch heirloom that turns heads with its white-and-purple striped pods. These compact plants don’t need staking and produce abundant beans in just 60 days.

Beyond their ornamental appeal, the pods have a meaty texture that holds up beautifully in soups and stews. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners who want both beauty and utility.

Ideal for those who love unique heirlooms that serve double duty as conversation pieces. 🌱

6

Scarlet Runner Bean

Scarlet Runner Bean

Transform your garden into a hummingbird haven with the Scarlet Runner Bean. This vigorous climber produces stunning red flowers that attract pollinators while yielding delicious, edible pods.

Unlike other beans, it thrives in cooler climates where traditional varieties struggle. Provide a sturdy trellis or teepee, as vines can reach 8-10 feet. The pods are best harvested young for tender eating, or left to mature for dried beans.

Perfect for gardeners in northern regions who want to combine beauty with function in their vegetable patch. 🌿

7

Roma II Bush Bean

Roma II Bush Bean

Say goodbye to crop losses with Roma II Bush Bean, the workhorse variety that laughs at common bean diseases. This disease-resistant powerhouse produces an abundance of straight, flat pods that are a dream for preserving.

Mature in about 55 days, these compact plants don’t need staking and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. The consistent pod size and shape make them ideal for freezing or canning, ensuring you’ll have garden-fresh flavor all winter long.

Perfect for gardeners who want reliable yields with minimal fuss, especially those who love to preserve their harvest. 🌱

8

Fortex Pole Bean

Fortex Pole Bean

Elevate your garden with the gourmet touch of Fortex Pole Bean, a French filet type that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in your own backyard. This variety produces extra-long, pencil-thin pods that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

You’ll need a sturdy trellis as these vigorous vines can reach 6-8 feet. The continuous harvest means you’ll be picking fresh beans all season long, with pods growing up to 11 inches in perfect conditions. Plant in full sun and well-draining soil for best results.

Perfect for foodies and gardeners who appreciate the finer things in vegetable gardening. 🌿

9

Contender Bush Bean

Contender Bush Bean

Short-season gardeners, meet your new best friend. The Contender Bush Bean laughs at chilly springs and early frosts, producing abundant harvests in just 45-50 days—perfect for areas with brief growing windows.

These compact plants stay under 2 feet tall, making them ideal for container gardening on balconies or patios. They tolerate cooler soil temperatures better than most varieties, so you can plant earlier in the season. Just provide full sun and consistent moisture for the best results.

Urban gardeners and those with limited space will love how this variety delivers big flavor in a small package. 🌱

10

Asparagus Yardlong Bean

Asparagus Yardlong Bean

For gardeners in hot climates, Asparagus Yardlong Bean offers a tropical twist on traditional varieties. This unique relative of green beans produces astonishingly long pods that can reach up to 3 feet in ideal conditions.

Unlike typical beans, it thrives in high heat and humidity, making it perfect for southern gardens. Provide a tall trellis for the vigorous vines, which need support for their lengthy pods. The beans develop quickly, with harvests ready in about 60-80 days.

Ideal for adventurous gardeners who want to grow something truly different while enjoying the plant’s exotic appearance and adaptability. 🌿

★★★★★4.9(13 reviews)