Planting Guides
When to Plant Green Beans in Minneapolis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 4a
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant green beans in Minneapolis after May 14 for Zone 4a success. Get exact dates, best varieties, and succession planting schedules for maximum harvest.
— Image © PlantReference.org 2026
Quick Answer
Plant green beans in Minneapolis after May 14 when soil temperature reaches 60°F. Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' matures fastest at 50-55 days for short seasons.
TL;DR
Plant green beans in Minneapolis after May 14 when soil reaches 60°F. Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' is best for Zone 4a's 138-day season. Plant every 2-3 weeks through July 1 for continuous harvest. Avoid frost damage by covering plants if temperatures drop below 35°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the earliest I can plant green beans in Minneapolis?
The earliest safe planting date in Minneapolis is May 14, which is the average last frost date for Zone 4a. However, soil temperature is more important than air temperature. Wait until soil reaches 60°F consistently, which typically occurs by mid-May. Planting in cold soil below 55°F leads to seed rot and poor germination. Use a soil thermometer to check temperature at 2-inch depth before planting.
What green bean varieties work best for Minneapolis's short growing season?
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' is the best choice for Minneapolis with its 50-55 day maturity, followed by Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake' at 55-65 days. These varieties tolerate cooler soil better than others and mature reliably before September frost. Avoid longer-season varieties like Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' unless using season extension techniques, as the 60-70 day requirement pushes too close to fall frost dates.
How many times can I plant green beans in Minneapolis during the growing season?
You can make 2-3 succession plantings in Minneapolis's 138-day season. Plant first crop May 14-21, second crop June 1-7, and final crop by July 1. Each planting should be 2-3 weeks apart using fast-maturing varieties like Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider'. The July 1 cutoff ensures harvest completion before September 29 frost, allowing 50 days for maturity plus 10 days for harvesting.
Should I choose bush beans or pole beans for Minneapolis gardens?
Bush beans are the safer choice for Minneapolis's short season. Varieties like Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' and Phaseolus vulgaris 'Roma II' mature in 50-60 days and allow for multiple succession plantings. Pole beans like Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' need 60-70 days and require the full season to reach peak production. Bush beans also provide concentrated harvests better suited for freezing and preservation.
How do I protect green beans from late spring frosts in Minneapolis?
Keep lightweight row covers handy through early June for unexpected cold snaps. Row covers provide 3-4°F of frost protection without blocking sunlight. Remove covers once plants begin flowering to allow insect pollination. If frost threatens mature plants in late August or September, covers can extend the harvest season by 2-3 weeks, protecting against light frosts while allowing continued pod development.
What spacing should I use for green beans in Minneapolis clay soil?
Use 4-inch spacing for bush varieties like Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' and Phaseolus vulgaris 'Roma II', and 6-inch spacing for larger varieties like Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'. In heavy Minneapolis clay soil, consider widening spacing slightly to improve air circulation and reduce fungal disease pressure. Space rows 18-24 inches apart for bush beans and 36 inches apart if growing pole varieties with trellises.
How often should I water green beans during Minneapolis summers?
Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week through drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root development. During Minneapolis's variable summer weather, monitor soil moisture closely—beans need consistent moisture especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid overhead watering late in the day, as wet foliage overnight promotes fungal diseases in our humid summers.
NEW PLANT DAILY
Think you know your plants?
Test your botanical knowledge with a new plant identification challenge every day. Build your streak, learn fascinating plant facts, and become a plant identification expert!
Build your streak
One chance per day
Learn as you play
Free account required • Takes less than 30 seconds
Tagged with
Written By
A
Amanda Foster
Amanda came to gardening through an unexpected route—after developing chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis in her late 20s, she started researching adaptive gardening techniques that would allow her to continue growing plants without aggravating her condition. Now based in Minneapolis, she writes about accessible gardening, raised bed designs for people with mobility challenges, and ergonomic tools that reduce strain. Amanda completed a certificate in sustainable urban agriculture and volunteers with a nonprofit that builds accessible community gardens. She grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers in waist-high raised beds she designed herself. Her writing focuses on practical solutions that work for real people with real limitations—whether that's arthritis, limited mobility, or just a bad back.
