When to plant green beans

Green beans (warm-season legume) is classed tender in the cited extension guidance. The timing rules below are relative to your local freeze dates — enter a location to turn them into calendar dates.

The rules this site applies
MethodFrost-relative windowRule & reconciliation
Direct-sow outdoorsfrom the median last spring freeze to 2 weeks afterUGA: plant as soon as the danger of frost has passed; UNH: plant seed in garden after last frost; Purdue: tender — plant after the average last frost. Point rule given a 14-day span.

No start seeds indoors window: Beans resent transplanting and are direct-seeded in the cited guides.

Seed germination soil temperature: optimum 80°F (optimum range 60–85°F); minimum 60°F, maximum 95°F. Purdue HO-186-W Table 3. Cold soil below the minimum rots seed — a reason windows and soil readings both matter.

Variety assumption: Assumes bush snap beans (about 55–65 days from seed; Penn State lists 60).

Crop rule sources (3)
Reviewed city pages for green beans
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