Common Bean

phaseolus vulgaris

Also known as: ["Green Bean","String Bean","French Bean"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Phaseolus Category: Vegetables

Overview

A widely cultivated annual plant in the legume family, valued for its edible pods and seeds.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","fast growing","disease resistant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Phaseolus
Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Vegetables
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Edible Gardeners Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"2–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed; lightly prune throughout growing season; major pruning in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning during flowering.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); partial shade in extreme heat; adjust based on seasonal intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually; protect from harsh midday sun; provide shade during peak summer.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or mold on soil surface indicate poor soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plants for even light; use reflective surfaces to boost light; monitor for sunburn.

Watering

every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water at the base to avoid foliage disease; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust for growth stage.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Test pH annually; amend with lime if too acidic; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures; avoid frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain humidity in dry heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer

Dilute to half strength; fertilize after watering; avoid contact with stems.

Propagation

Methods

Seeds or stem cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Prepare medium.
  2. Plant seeds or cuttings.
  3. Maintain moisture.
  4. Provide warmth.
  5. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer for optimal root development.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining seed-starting mix or perlite and peat moss.

Hormone

Optional for cuttings; rooting hormone can speed up process.

Timeline

Seeds: 7–14 days to germinate; cuttings: 2–4 weeks to root.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, pots, rooting hormone, misting spray, heating mat.

Quick Tips

Use bottom heat for faster germination; keep soil consistently moist; thin seedlings as needed.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; trim leggy stems; remove yellowing leaves.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or diseased growth; encourage bushier plants; improve air circulation.

Tools

Pruning shears, scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dry weather; remove only necessary parts; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (2–3 inches wider); ensure bottom drainage.

Method

Use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage; gently tease out root bound plants.

Suggestions

Repot annually or when roots outgrow container; beneficial for growth and vigor.

Checklist

Check root health; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting leaves.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing soil.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure; incorporate perlite for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to frost damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; use row covers or cloches; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, and potential heat shock.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; rinse tools afterward.

Fertilizing Method

Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Phaseolus vulgaris may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a symptom of viral infections, bacterial diseases, or environmental stress, affecting overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Phaseolus vulgaris is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root damage from pathogens like Fusarium or Pythium, which can lead to reduced photosynthesis and eventual plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Phaseolus vulgaris are typically caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora or bacterial infections, which can lead to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and decreased yield.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Phaseolus vulgaris is commonly caused by soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium or Rhizoctonia, leading to decay of plant tissues, impaired nutrient uptake, and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Phaseolus vulgaris is typically non-toxic to cats when cooked. Raw or undercooked beans, however, may cause gastrointestinal issues due to phytohaemagglutinin.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten raw or undercooked

Avoid feeding raw or undercooked beans to cats. If ingestion occurs, observe the cat for adverse reactions and seek veterinary care if necessary.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Common beans are generally safe for dogs when cooked properly. However, raw or undercooked beans can cause gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of phytohaemagglutinin.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea abdominal discomfort
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten raw or undercooked

Feed only cooked beans to dogs in moderation. Monitor for any signs of digestive distress and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Humans
Non-toxic

Phaseolus vulgaris, commonly known as the common bean, is generally non-toxic when properly cooked. However, raw or undercooked beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, a toxic lectin that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten raw or undercooked

Always ensure beans are thoroughly cooked to neutralize toxins. Discard any beans that have been stored improperly or show signs of spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are beans toxic to humans?

A: Raw or undercooked beans contain lectins, which can cause digestive upset; cooking neutralizes them.

Q: How often should beans be watered?

A: Beans require consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development, but avoid waterlogging.

Q: Do beans need support to grow?

A: Many varieties benefit from trellising or staking to support vine growth and improve air circulation.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 3–5 days during active
Suitable For: ["beginners","edible gardeners","outdoor landscapers"]
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