What are the sun requirements for Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider'?

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' is Provider bush bean, a determinate (bush type) annual growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and wide. Straight round green stringless snap pods 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) with 6-8 seeds per pod, maturing in 50-55 days from seed — one of the earliest-maturing bush beans. White pea-shaped flowers at leaf axils. Bright green trifoliate foliage. In the legume family (Fabaceae). Bush (determinate): no staking or trellising needed. Germinates and sets pods in cooler soil than many bean cultivars (soil temperature as low as 55°F / 13°C) — valued in short-season and cool-spring gardens. The main crop sets over 2-3 weeks then production tapers — succession-sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. A legume: roots host nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium — do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizer. Direct-sow only: beans do not transplant well. Raw pods contain lectins (phytohemagglutinin) — cook before eating. Open-pollinated — seed can be saved. Not deer-resistant. Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) and bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) are the primary pests. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Open-pollinated cultivar. The species P. vulgaris is native to Central America and the Andes of South America.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). No trellis needed. Early maturity (50-55 days). Succession-sow. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Raw pods contain lectins. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by straight round green snap pods 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) on a compact determinate bush 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). Distinguished from 'Blue Lake' by earlier maturity (50-55 days vs. 55-65) and cold-soil tolerance. In Fabaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Summer to fall (July-September). White pea-shaped flowers at leaf axils. Self-pollinating. Pods 50-55 days from seed. Determinate: main crop over 2-3 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, papilionaceous (pea-shaped), 0.4 inch (10 mm), in clusters at leaf axils

Foliage Description

Bright green, trifoliate compound (3 ovate leaflets), each 2-3 inches (5-7 cm)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• 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

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

50-55 days from seed

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Direct-sow after last frost (soil 60°F / 16°C+ — tolerates 55°F / 13°C). No staking (bush type). A legume — no high-nitrogen fertilizer. Harvest every 2-3 days. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Raw pods contain lectins. Not deer-resistant. Tender annual.

Pruning

No pruning needed. Harvest pods every 2-3 days at 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) when they snap cleanly. Overripe pods with visible seed bulges become tough. Remove yellowed foliage.