Understanding Green Bean Growth Stages

The different growth stages of green beans are

• Germination stage
• Vegetative stage
• Flowering and fruiting stage
• Maturation and harvest stage

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to understanding green bean growth stages. Knowing the different growth stages of the green bean plant is crucial for successful cultivation. This applies whether you’re a home gardener or a commercial farmer.

In this article, we will delve into the different growth stages of green beans. So let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of green bean growth.

What are green beans?

The scientific name is Phaseolus vulgaris. They belong to the legume family. Also commonly called string beans. There are both bush bean and pole bean varieties.

High in vitamins K, C, and folate. Provide fiber, manganese, and antioxidants. It is best harvested when the pods are thin and 6–8 inches long. Allows the beans inside to fully develop flavor.

Peak season is summer, but newer varieties can be planted as early as spring and into the fall. Grow green beans best in warm climates with temperatures between 65 and 75°F during the growing season.

Both bush bean and pole bean need warm, fertile, well-draining soil that maintains moisture levels. Bush varieties mature all at once for a main harvest. Pole varieties produce over a longer period of time.

It requires consistent watering, especially when flowering and setting pods. Drought stress causes poor yields.

Green bean growth stages: Germination stage

Green bean seeds require specific conditions in order to successfully sprout and emerge. The process of germination begins as the seed absorbs water and usually takes between 5 and 10 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture levels.

There are a few key stages during germination:

Absorption: The seed takes in water and swells.

Seed Coat Rupture: The seed’s protective seed coat splits open.

Radicle Emergence: The tiny root, or ‘radicle’ is the first part of the plant embryo to emerge.

Plumule Emergence: Next, the tender stem portion called the ‘plumule’ emerges from the soil.

One of the most important factors influencing the rate of germination is soil temperature. Green bean seeds germinate best in warm soils between 15 and 30°C (60 and 86°F). Temperatures lower than 13°C (55°F) or higher than 35°C (95°F) can significantly delay or prevent sprouting. Proper soil moisture is also essential; the soil needs to be consistently moist but well-draining.

After germination occurs, the seedling will emerge from the soil, exposing its first set of “true leaves.” These oval leaves have a distinctive triangular notch at the base. During emergence, environmental stresses like soil crusting, flooding, or extreme heat or cold can hinder growth. Proper soil preparation, planting depth, watering, and temperatures are key.

Vegetative Growth Phase

Once they emerge from the soil, green bean seedlings enter the vegetative growth phase. During this time, they focus on developing their root systems and producing leaves and stems.

Some of the key developments during vegetative growth include:

• Leaf Production: Seedlings will rapidly put on a pair of leaves about every 3–4 days. At the 4-leaf stage, they are ready for their first fertilizer application.
• Internode Elongation: The space between leaf nodes along the stem, called the internode, lengthens dramatically.
• Growth Rate: Vegetative growth rate is rapid when soil temperatures are between 20 and 30°C (68 and 86°F). Cooler or hotter conditions slow growth.
• Thinning: Seedlings should be thinned to a spacing of 4-6 inches between plants once the first true leaves form. This prevents overcrowding.
• Pest Monitoring: Keep an eye out for early vegetative pests like cutworms and bean leaf beetles that can chew on tender seedling leaves.

It generally takes green bean plants 2-4 weeks in ideal conditions to reach the “seedling” stage, defined as having 3-5 nodes and fully developed root systems. At this point, they are sturdy enough to be transplanted if starting seeds indoors.

Adequate moisture, nutrients and temperatures are crucial during vegetative growth to ensure robust root and shoot development before transitioning to flowering. Environmental stresses during this phase can weaken the plant.

Flowering and Fruiting Stage

Once the vegetative phase is complete, green bean plants shift their focus to reproduction by entering the flowering and fruiting stages. There are a few notable changes that occur as plants transition to flowering:

• Apical Dominance Declines: The main growing tip, or “apical bud,” loses dominance, resulting in multiple side shoots and branched growth.
• Internodes along the Stem Elongate: Spaces between leaf nodes along the main stem and branches lengthen substantially.
• Flower Clusters Form: Racemes (flower clusters) form in leaf axils, typically bearing 5–10 perfect flowers. Individual flowers are small and white or pink.
• Pollination Requirement: Green bean plants require cross-pollination, usually by bees, bumblebees, or hummingbirds visiting multiple flowers. This leads to fertilization and pod setting.

It typically takes 3-6 weeks after flowering begins for the first young stringless green beans, or “baby beans,” to form and mature for harvest. Environmental factors like temperature, sunlight levels, and water availability can influence subsequent fruit production and yield.

Stresses like insufficient irrigation as pods develop can cause beans to remain small or elongated. Optimal pod maturity is attained when the beans inside have swollen enough to fill the pod without becoming tough or stringy.

Maturation and Harvest

Once green beans have formed, they will steadily grow and mature until harvestable. Some signs that beans are nearing ideal maturity include:

• Pods feel plump and smooth when gently squeezed
• The beans within are swollen but seeds are not yet fully developed
• Pods change color, often from deep green to lighter shade
• Pods remain tender and edible when picked

During maturation, plants require consistent soil moisture to allow pods to fill out properly. Dry or excessively wet conditions can cause beans to mature unevenly or remain undesirable sizes.

There are two common methods for harvesting green beans:

Staggered Picking: Involves several pickings over weeks as pods mature. This spreads out production but requires more frequent monitoring.

Swath harvesting: cutting down entire plants when 80–90% of the pods are mature. Easier, but yields are concentrated into a shorter window.

To maximize yields and ensure quality, green beans should be hand-picked rather than pulled to avoid pod damage. Cut individual stems above pods using pruning shears. Leave a few immature pods behind to encourage more flowering and sequential harvests.

With proper care, green bean crops can potentially be harvested every 3–5 days throughout the summer months until plants become less productive or fall frosts arrive. Prompt cooling after harvest extends shelf life.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with optimal growing conditions, green bean plants may occasionally encounter issues that impact growth, flowering, or yields. Here are some of the most typical problems and solutions:

Nutrient Deficiencies: Signs include yellowing leaves and stunted growth. A soil test can identify deficiencies and recommend appropriate natural or organic fertilizer.

Pests: Common leaf feeders are Mexican bean beetles and aphids. Remove by hand if few, or use insecticidal soap for light infestations. Cutworms and slugs damage stems; use collars or barriers.

Diseases: Two major diseases are Anthracnose, marked by leaf spots or blight, and bean rust, which causes pustules on leaves and stems. Practice crop rotation and remove or destroy infected plant material.

Poor Germination: The soil may be too wet, dry, compacted, or cold. Adjust the moisture level, aerate the soil, and plant when conditions are favorable.

Lack of Flowers or Beans: Excessive heat or cold stress, insufficient nutrients, or water during transition can delay flowering. Improve conditions for the plant to recover vegetatively first.

Weather Extremes: Heavy rain during flowering, fruit set, or periods of drought can reduce pod numbers. Provide overhead irrigation if rain is limited.

With prevention in mind, common issues can often be identified and treated. Proper timing, site selection, crop rotation, and plant care play big roles in averting problems and boosting harvests.

FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding the typical growth cycle and development of green bean plants is key to successful cultivation from seed to harvest. While optimal growing conditions allow bushes to naturally progress through germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and maturation stages quickly, occasional deviations may occur.

Minor stresses are often unavoidable, but recognizing problems early allows for timely intervention. With proper timing, site preparation, and ongoing care tailored to each phase, home growers can maximize germination rates and productive harvest periods.

With diligent monitoring and adjustments made as needed over the full life cycle, green bean plant growth stages can successfully run their course from seed to kitchen table. Following nature’s cues optimizes yields from the garden or field.