Planting Guides
When to Plant Green Beans in Philadelphia: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7a
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant green beans in Philadelphia from May 1-July 15 for continuous harvest through October in Zone 7a's 209-day season.
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Quick Answer
Plant green beans in Philadelphia starting May 1, continuing every 2-3 weeks through July 15. Bush varieties mature in 50-60 days, pole varieties in 60-70 days.
TL;DR
Plant green beans in Philadelphia from May 1 through July 15 for continuous harvest in Zone 7a. Bush varieties like Provider and Roma II mature in 50-60 days, while pole varieties like Kentucky Wonder need 60-70 days but produce longer. Plant every 2-3 weeks for non-stop harvest through October using Philadelphia's extended 209-day growing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant green beans in Philadelphia?
The optimal time to plant green beans in Philadelphia starts May 1 and continues through July 15. Your first planting should go in around May 1, about two weeks after the average last frost date of April 10. This gives soil time to warm to the 60°F (16°C) minimum temperature beans need for good germination. Continue planting every 2-3 weeks through mid-July for continuous harvest through October.
What green bean varieties grow best in Philadelphia's Zone 7a climate?
Provider and Roma II are excellent choices for Philadelphia gardens. Provider matures in just 50-55 days, perfect for early season plantings and succession crops. Roma II produces wide, flat Romano-style beans that handle Philadelphia's summer heat well. For pole varieties, Kentucky Wonder thrives in Zone 7a's long season, producing continuously from July through October with proper care.
How many times can I plant green beans in Philadelphia during one season?
Philadelphia's 209-day growing season allows for 5-6 succession plantings of bush beans. Plant every 2-3 weeks from May 1 through July 15. Each planting produces for about 2 weeks, creating a continuous harvest. For pole beans like Kentucky Wonder, one planting in early May produces continuously for 3-4 months, eliminating the need for succession planting.
Do green beans grow well in Philadelphia's summer heat?
Green beans handle Philadelphia's moderate summer heat quite well, unlike more northern climates. Varieties like Roma II and Blue Lake are particularly heat tolerant. The key is maintaining consistent soil moisture during hot spells and avoiding planting during the hottest part of summer. Your last effective planting date is July 15, allowing beans to mature before extreme late summer heat.
Should I grow bush beans or pole beans in Philadelphia?
Both work excellently in Philadelphia's climate. Bush beans like Provider and Roma II are perfect for succession planting and give you multiple harvests throughout the season. Pole beans like Kentucky Wonder are ideal if you want one planting that produces continuously from July through October. Choose based on your space and harvest preferences: bush beans for steady succession crops, pole beans for maximum production from minimal space.
What pests should I watch for when growing green beans in Philadelphia?
Mexican bean beetles are Philadelphia's primary bean pest. These copper-colored beetles with black spots emerge in June and lay orange egg clusters on leaf undersides. Check plants weekly and remove eggs by hand. Aphids can be problematic during cool, wet spring periods typical in Philadelphia. Slugs also thrive in the area's humid conditions, especially in shaded gardens. Use row covers during early growth and maintain good garden sanitation.
Can I plant green beans again in fall in Philadelphia?
No separate fall planting is needed in Philadelphia. Unlike hot southern climates that require spring and fall bean seasons, your July plantings will produce right through October until the first frost around November 5. The moderate Philadelphia climate allows continuous production from succession plantings without the need for a distinct fall crop.
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Frank Russo
Frank retired from the city parks department after 28 years, the last fifteen as a grounds supervisor overseeing park plantings and maintenance crews. He now spends his time volunteering at a local historic garden, maintaining his own half-acre property in the Roxborough neighborhood, and writing about landscape maintenance, seasonal timing, and the practical side of keeping plants healthy through Mid-Atlantic winters and humid summers. Frank knows what works at scale and what's a waste of time—he's planted thousands of trees and shrubs and watched plenty of them fail. His advice tends toward what's proven and durable rather than what's trendy.
