What are the sun requirements for Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen'?

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' need?

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' has Medium water needs.

Vegetables

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen'

Purple Queen Bean

Fabaceae

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

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

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). Open-pollinated — seed can be saved. Bush type: no staking required. Direct-sow only — beans resent transplanting. Nitrogen-fixing: inoculate seed with Rhizobium 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.

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

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

50-60 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. 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.