Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen'

purple queen bean

Open-pollinated cultivar; the species P. vulgaris is native to Central America (Mexico, Guatemala)

Overview

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' is Purple Queen bean, a bush (determinate) annual growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Round purple pods 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) long — the purple color is from anthocyanin pigments. The purple pods turn green when cooked — the anthocyanin breaks down at cooking temperatures. The color change from purple to green is a built-in doneness indicator. White to pale lavender pea-type flowers. Green foliage with purple-tinged veins and stems. In the legume family (Fabaceae spp.). Open-pollinated — seed can be saved. Bush type: no staking required. Direct-sow only — beans resent transplanting. Nitrogen-fixing: inoculate seed with Rhizobium spp. bacteria. The purple pods disappearing when cooked is a limitation for gardeners seeking purple in cooked dishes. Concentrated harvest over 2-3 weeks — succession-sow for continuous supply. Raw beans contain lectins (phytohemagglutinin) — cook before eating. Not deer-resistant. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Open-pollinated cultivar. The species P. vulgaris is native to Central America (Mexico, Guatemala).

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). Purple-podded bush bean — turns green when cooked (doneness indicator). Open-pollinated. Direct-sow. Not deer-resistant. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by round purple pods 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) on a low bush plant with green foliage that has purple-tinged veins and stems. The purple pod color (from anthocyanin) is the defining trait. Turns green when cooked. In Fabaceae spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

Summer (June-August). White to pale lavender pea-type (papilionaceous) flowers. Self-pollinating. Pods 50-60 days from direct sow. Bush type: concentrated harvest.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pale lavender, pea-type (papilionaceous), 0.5 inch (12 mm)

Foliage Description

Green with purple-tinged veins and stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull 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

50-60 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Direct-sow only. Inoculate with Rhizobium spp.. Bush type — no staking. Pick pods at 5-6 inches (13-15 cm). Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Raw beans contain lectins — cook before eating. Not deer-resistant. Tender annual.

Pruning

No pruning needed. Pick pods regularly at 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) to encourage continued production. Pods left too long become tough.

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

2 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

After last frost when soil temperature reaches 60 degrees F (16 degrees C)+

Days to Maturity

50–60 days

Plant Spacing

6 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting With