About
Also known as 'Yard-Long' or 'Snake' beans, this vigorous variety of cowpea with green foliage and yellow, purple or blue sweet pea-like flowers produces long, thin, dark green pods up to 8cm long which germinate and grow quickly. Beans are sweet and tender, suited to growing up a trellis where they will provide a high yield of beans in a small space. A fun and easy choice for children to grow.
About the genus
Vigna comprises a group of plants, ranging from herbaceous perennials to shrubs or small trees. Species within the genus display a variety of growth habits and are cultivated for their decorative or practical qualities
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationStart from seed in a heated greenhouse or on a warm windowsill. Plant outside once all risk of frost has passed in a warm, sunny, sheltered site; incorporate well-rotted manure into soil before planting and keep the soil moist when plants are flowering to ensure good fruit set. See runner-bean cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, pea and bean weevil and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds