Annuals

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue'

Dragon Tongue Bean

UnknownCentral America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright bushy
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width12-18 inches

Overview

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue' is a distinctive heirloom bush bean cultivar renowned for its striking appearance and exceptional flavor. This compact annual produces tender, flat Romano-type pods that display dramatic purple striping against a cream or pale yellow background, creating a mottled appearance that resembles dragon scales or flames. The pods typically measure 6-8 inches in length and are best harvested when young and tender. The plant itself grows as a determinate bush bean, reaching 18-24 inches in height with a bushy, upright habit. The trifoliate leaves are typical of common beans, displaying a rich green color that provides an attractive backdrop for the colorful pods. Small white flowers appear in clusters along the stems, followed by the development of the distinctively marked pods. When cooked, the purple striping fades to green, but the beans retain their excellent flavor and tender texture.

Native Range

Phaseolus vulgaris is native to Central and South America, particularly the regions of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, and the Andes mountains. The species was first domesticated approximately 7,000 years ago in Mesoamerica and has since been cultivated worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. The compact bush habit makes it suitable for small spaces and intensive planting systems. Excellent for fresh eating, steaming, stir-frying, and preserving. The attractive pods also make this variety suitable for ornamental vegetable gardens where both beauty and productivity are desired.

How to Identify

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue' can be identified by its distinctive flat, wide pods that display dramatic purple streaking or mottling against a cream to pale yellow background. The pods are typically 6-8 inches long and significantly wider than standard green beans. The plant grows as a compact bush rather than a climbing vine, reaching 18-24 inches in height. The characteristic trifoliate leaves and small white flowers are typical of bush beans, but the uniquely colored pods make this cultivar unmistakable among bean varieties.

Appearance

Bloom Information

mid-summer to early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

50-65 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue' requires warm soil and air temperatures to thrive, making it essential to wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting. Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season, watering at soil level to avoid wetting the foliage and reducing disease risk. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of pod production. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor regularly for common bean pests such as aphids and bean beetles.

Pruning

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue' requires minimal pruning as a bush bean variety. Remove any damaged or diseased foliage promptly to prevent the spread of disease. Harvest pods regularly when they are young and tender, typically 4-6 inches long, to encourage continued production. Pinch off spent flowers if pods are not developing properly, though this is rarely necessary with healthy plants.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue' pods are safe for human consumption when cooked. Raw beans should not be consumed in large quantities as they contain lectins that can cause digestive upset. The mature dried beans are safe when properly cooked. Generally safe for pets in small quantities when cooked, but raw beans should be avoided.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

2 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F

Days to Maturity

50–65 days

Plant Spacing

6 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
corn
squash
carrots
radishes
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

onions
garlic
fennel
sunflowers