This variety originated in China. The pencil thin pods can grow over three feet long but are best when picked about 12-15" long. The flavor is delicate and somewhat similar to asparagus. Vines can grow more than 10 feet long and produce well throughout the hot Tucson summers. It thrives in hot weather; producing long after all other beans have failed. This "bean" is actually not a bean at all but a cowpea. The plants are very sensitive to cold. 70 days.

Packet size = 1 ounce

POLE BEANS

WHEN TO PLANT: after all danger of frost is past
DEPTH OF PLANTING: 1" deep
PLANTS APART IN ROWS (AFTER THINNING): 4 - 6" apart
DISTANCE BETWEEN ROWS: 2 to 3 feet apart
RAISED BED PLANTING GUIDE: Thinned plants should be 4" apart throughout bed.
SOIL TYPE RECOMMENDED: composted, sandy soil. NOTE: Pole beans take up less room than bush beans, but they must be supported as their growth is vertical.

TUCSON PLANTING INFORMATION: Pole beans do well in Tucson. Planting may be done from March 1 to April 1 and again July 15 to August 25.