Planting Guides

When to Plant Green Beans in Boston: Complete Guide + Best Varieties

Q: Which green bean varieties grow best in Boston's Zone 6b climate?

**{Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider'}}** excels for early plantings in cool soil. **{Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'}}** provides premium quality for fresh eating and processing. **{Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder'}}** pole beans maximize Boston's long fall season with continuous harvest. All varieties thrive in Boston's moderate maritime climate with proper succession planting timing.

Last updated: February 1, 2026

Plant green beans in Boston after April 19 when soil warms to 60°F. Zone 6b's 183-day season allows 3-4 succession plantings for continuous harvest through fall.

KKevin Doyle

February 1, 2026

Green bean plants growing in Boston garden with pods ready for harvest in summer — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant green beans in Boston after April 19 when soil reaches 60°F. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks through July 15 for continuous harvest.

TL;DR

Plant green beans in Boston after April 19 when soil temperature reaches 60°F (16°C). Zone 6b's 183-day growing season allows for excellent succession planting from May through July. Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' matures fastest at 50-55 days for early harvests, while pole varieties like Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' provide continuous production through Boston's long fall season ending October 19.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start planting green beans in Boston?

Begin planting green beans in Boston after April 19 when soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F (16°C). This typically occurs by May 1st in most Boston neighborhoods. Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' handles cooler soil best for earliest plantings, while other varieties should wait until soil fully warms by mid-May for best germination rates.

How many times can I plant green beans in Boston's growing season?

Boston's 183-day growing season from April 19 to October 19 allows 4-5 succession plantings of bush beans. Plant every 2-3 weeks from May 1 through July 15 for continuous harvest. Each planting provides 2-3 weeks of picking. Alternatively, one planting of Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' pole beans in June produces continuously from August through frost.

Which green bean varieties grow best in Boston's Zone 6b climate?

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider'} excels for early plantings in cool soil. Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'} provides premium quality for fresh eating and processing. Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder'} pole beans maximize Boston's long fall season with continuous harvest. All varieties thrive in Boston's moderate maritime climate with proper succession planting timing.

Can I grow green beans through Boston's summer?

Yes, Boston's moderate summer temperatures of 80-85°F (27-29°C) are ideal for green beans. Unlike inland areas, coastal influence prevents heat stress that stops pod production. Continue succession planting through July 15. Maintain consistent soil moisture during typical summer dry periods and ensure good air circulation in humid maritime conditions.

When is the last date to plant green beans in Boston?

Plant your final green bean succession by July 15 to ensure harvest before October 19 frost. Use fast-maturing Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' (50-55 days) for latest plantings. Count backward 60 days from average first frost date with 10-day safety margin to determine absolute latest planting date for your specific microclimate.

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Written By

Kevin Doyle

Kevin is a landscape contractor in the Boston area who specializes in cold-climate perennial gardens and hardscaping. He studied landscape design and worked at a prominent nursery on the North Shore before starting his own design-build firm. Kevin's gardens are built to handle New England weather—freeze-thaw cycles, nor'easters, late springs, and heavy snow loads. He's particularly interested in native perennials and shrubs that provide four-season interest without constant maintenance. Kevin writes about cold-hardy plant selection, winter garden structure, and building landscapes that look good even in February.