key growing information

Growing Pole Beans: How to Plant, Grow & Harvest

How to grow pole beans: supports, sowing depth and spacing in warm soil, planting at poles, inoculants, seed quantities, pests, disease prevention, harvest and storage.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Pole Bean - Key Growing Information

A planting of pole beans showing the vines, leaves, and flowers, as well as developing seed pods.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Phaseolus vulgaris

CULTURE:

Grow pole beans up trellises, poles or mesh fencing such as Hortonova.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

Counted from direct sowing.DIRECT SEEDING: Once the soil is warmer than 60°F (16°C), plant 1" deep and 3" apart in rows 4' apart. With poles, plant 4–6 seeds around the base of each one. Inoculants may help raise yields.

AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE:

50 seeds plant about 12' or 10 poles; 250 seeds, 50' or 40 poles; 500 seeds, 100' or 80 poles; 1,000 seeds, 200' or 160 poles.

INSECT PESTS:

For Mexican bean beetles, use insecticides such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin.

DISEASE:

In fall, turn under or pull and compost the spent plants so most disease organisms break down faster. To limit white mold (Sclerotinia), give rows extra width so leaves and soil dry quickly. Rotate on a 3-year cycle, ideally following with corn or small grains, and start with clean, high-quality seed to help keep halo blight out.

HARVEST:

Pick often to keep new pods coming.

STORAGE:

Keeps 7–10 days at 40°F (4°C) and 90% relative humidity.

SEEDS/LB.:

See each variety.

PACKET:

50 seeds per packet, enough for about 12' or 10 poles.