Also known as Bean · 178 saves
Phaseolus
Phaseolus, the genus most gardeners know as bean. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Phaseolus varieties
2 species of Phaseolus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Phaseolus in Sow
Save the Phaseolus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Phaseolus
Whats common across all Phaseolus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Phaseolus year
- HarvestJune–September100% of varieties
Pick pods regularly when young and tender to encourage more production
- PlantApril50% of varieties
Sow seeds directly after last frost when soil reaches 60°F
- StakeApril50% of varieties
Install trellis or stakes for pole varieties at planting time
- FertilizeMay and June50% of varieties
Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer once plants start flowering
- Check for PestsMay–July50% of varieties
Monitor foliage for Mexican bean beetles and spider mites
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist 💧
- Prune to remove dead or diseased leaves 🌿
- Apply balanced fertilizer during flowering period
- Support plants with stakes or trellises
- Provide full sun for optimal growth 🌞
Avoid
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Allow soil to dry out completely between watering
- Use chemical pesticides excessively ❌
- Neglect staking which can cause breakage
What goes wrong with Phaseolus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Bean beetles | Holes in leaves, defoliation | Handpick beetles or use organic insecticides |
| Mexican bean beetle | Leaves skeletonised from beneath by yellow spiny larvae and coppery spotted adults | Hand-pick adults, larvae and the yellow egg clusters on leaf undersides; check every few days |
| Black bean aphid | Dense black colonies on shoot tips and flower stalks, checking growth | Pinch out infested tips and rinse the rest off with water before the colonies build |
| Root rot | Wilting, discolored roots | Improve drainage and avoid overwatering |
| Anthracnose | Dark lesions on stems and pods | Apply copper-based fungicide and remove infected plant parts |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Phaseolus
Seed sowing
- Tuck seeds 1-2 inches deep in moist soil (2 weeks).
- Maintain consistent watering for germination.
- Thin seedlings to one plant per 3 inches after emergence.
Seed
- Sow direct an inch deep after the last frost.
- Do not soak the seed; it rots readily.
- Sow bush types every three weeks for continuity.
Phaseolus questions
How many types of Phaseolus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Phaseolus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 178 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Phaseolus grow in?
Across its varieties, Phaseolus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Phaseolus bloom?
Most Phaseolus varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer, midsummer to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Phaseolus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.