DESCRIPTION:

The yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis), also known as asparagus bean, snake bean, or long bean, is a fascinating and highly productive vegetable plant from the legume family (Fabaceae). It is closely related to the cowpea but differs from classic European garden beans in its growth habit, origin, and taste. This crop originally hails from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, where it has been an indispensable part of traditional cuisine for centuries. Today, it enjoys increasing popularity among hobby gardeners and self-sufficiency enthusiasts in Europe.

The optimal harvest time is crucial for the flavor. The pods should be harvested while they are about the thickness of a pencil and the seeds inside are barely visible. Beans harvested too late become spongy and lose their delicate aroma. Harvesting takes place continuously from July until the first frost, which encourages the plant to constantly produce new blossoms. In the kitchen, the yardlong bean is a true multi-talent. In terms of taste, it resembles a mixture of green garden beans and asparagus, but it is somewhat milder and slightly sweet. A massive advantage: unlike many old bean varieties, it has no bothersome strings.

CULTIVATION:

It takes only about 10 weeks from sowing the bean seeds to harvesting. It goes even faster if you pre-germinate the bean seeds on a bright, warm windowsill or in a greenhouse. This takes about 3–4 weeks, requires little effort, and is especially useful for cultivating bush and pole beans. Yardlong beans originally come from tropical regions and are therefore quite heat-loving. It is best to start them indoors in April/May and then plant them outdoors from early to mid-June, depending on the weather. Plant spacing: 20–25 cm, row spacing: 40–45 cm, sowing depth: approx. 4 cm. They prefer a warm, sheltered location; waterlogging and windy spots do not suit them. The first tender shoots appear after about a week. The seedlings then need about 2 more weeks to grow. The higher the soil temperature, the better the plants germinate.

Pre-germination: in a flower pot
Fill small flower pots with simple soil and moisten it. Insert the bean seeds about 4 cm deep into the soil and cover the container with clear cling foil to create a moist climate ideal for germination. It is important that the substrate does not dry out and that the climate remains sufficiently humid.

Pre-germination: on cotton wool or paper towels
For this method, line a flat container with a layer of moist cotton wool or several layers of moist paper towels. Place the beans next to each other on top. Here, too, ensure a moist climate by covering the container with foil or a plastic bag.

Please note:

This is a natural product. Therefore, we generally cannot assume a sprouting or germination guarantee for seeds, as the conditions under which sowing was carried out by the customer cannot be assessed or influenced by us.