Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder', Kentucky Wonder Bean
Annuals

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder'

Kentucky Wonder Bean

FabaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitclimbing
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width2-3 feet
Maturity0.19 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 10b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' is a vigorous climbing pole bean cultivar renowned for its exceptional productivity and extended harvest period. This annual legume develops strong, twining stems that spiral counterclockwise around supports, reaching heights of 6-8 feet when provided with adequate structure. The distinctive trifoliate leaves feature three heart-shaped leaflets with smooth margins and prominent venation, creating dense, bright green foliage that forms an attractive backdrop throughout the growing season. The small, papilionaceous flowers emerge in clusters along the vines, displaying white to pale lavender petals typical of the legume family. These blooms develop into the cultivar's signature feature: remarkably long, flat pods that can reach 6-10 inches in length. The pods maintain their tender texture even at full size, displaying a characteristic slight curve and pale to medium green coloration. Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' is particularly valued among gardeners for its forgiving nature, as the pods remain stringless and tender even when harvested less frequently, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced growers seeking reliable, abundant production.

Native Range

Phaseolus vulgaris originates from the mountainous regions of Central and South America, with archaeological evidence placing its domestication centers in Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and parts of the Andean highlands. Wild ancestors of modern common beans have been cultivated for over 7,000 years across multiple locations throughout Mesoamerica and the Andes, where indigenous peoples developed numerous varieties adapted to different elevations and climates.

Suggested Uses

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' excels as a productive vertical element in vegetable gardens, making it particularly valuable for maximizing harvest potential in limited spaces. This cultivar works exceptionally well when trained against existing fences, arbors, or custom trellises, and can serve as an attractive living screen when multiple plants are grown in succession. The abundant foliage and continuous harvest make it suitable for potager-style gardens where ornamental and edible elements are combined. Container cultivation is possible with large pots and sturdy support systems, making it accessible for patio and balcony gardeners seeking fresh pole beans in small-space settings.

How to Identify

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' can be distinguished from other bean varieties by its vigorous climbing habit and exceptionally long, flat pods that measure 6-10 inches in length. The trifoliate leaves consist of three distinct heart-shaped leaflets with smooth edges, while the stems exhibit a characteristic counterclockwise twining pattern around supports. Unlike bush bean varieties, this cultivar requires substantial vertical support and continues aggressive upward growth throughout the season. The pods are notably wider and flatter compared to other pole bean cultivars, with a distinctive pale green color when young that gradually deepens, and they maintain their flat profile rather than becoming rounded like many other bean types.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.19 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
lavender

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
mid-summer through fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale lavender

Foliage Description

bright green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-70 days

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' thrives in full sun locations with well-draining, fertile soil maintaining a pH between 6.0-7.0. Install robust support structures such as poles, trellises, or teepees at planting time, ensuring they can handle the substantial weight of mature, pod-laden vines. Water consistently during establishment and flowering, then maintain moderate moisture levels throughout the growing season, avoiding overwatering which can lead to root rot and reduced pod production. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost once mid-season, but avoid high-nitrogen formulations that promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod development. Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch several inches away from stems to prevent fungal issues.

Pruning

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' requires minimal pruning but benefits greatly from consistent harvesting practices to maintain peak production. Pinch the growing tips when vines reach the top of their support structures to encourage lateral branching and increased pod development lower on the plant. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or diseased foliage promptly to maintain good air circulation and plant health. The most critical maintenance practice is regular harvesting every 2-3 days once pods begin forming, as this continuous removal stimulates ongoing flower production and prevents pods from becoming tough and over-mature.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' produces pods that are completely safe for human consumption when properly cooked. Raw beans and plant foliage should never be consumed as they contain lectins and other naturally occurring compounds that can cause significant digestive upset and nausea. The mature seeds within fully developed pods are also edible when thoroughly cooked. This plant is generally considered safe around pets, though consumption of large quantities of raw plant material could potentially cause mild digestive irritation in sensitive animals.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

2 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil reaches 60°F

Days to Maturity

60–70 days

Plant Spacing

6 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

corn
squash
tomatoes
carrots
radishes
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

onions
garlic
fennel
brassicas