Annuals

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen'

Purple Queen Bean

UnknownCentral America

At a Glance

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

Overview

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' is a compact bush bean cultivar distinguished by its striking purple pods and exceptional ornamental value. This annual legume produces sturdy, upright plants with trifoliate leaves typical of common beans, but stands out dramatically with its deep purple to burgundy pod coloration that makes it both a productive vegetable and an attractive garden specimen. The pods are slender, smooth, and typically 4-6 inches long, maintaining their vibrant purple color throughout development. The plant displays the characteristic bean flower structure with small white to pale lavender blooms that are largely self-pollinating. What sets Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' apart from standard green bean varieties is not only its colorful pods but also its tendency to have purple-tinged stems and leaf veins, creating an overall more colorful plant. The pods are tender when young and can be harvested as snap beans, though they turn green when cooked due to the breakdown of anthocyanin pigments responsible for the purple coloration.

Native Range

Phaseolus vulgaris is native to Central and South America, particularly regions of Mexico, Guatemala, and the Andes Mountains. The species was first domesticated over 7,000 years ago in these regions before being introduced to Europe and subsequently cultivated worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' works well in vegetable gardens, container gardens, and ornamental edible landscapes where its colorful pods add visual interest. Excellent for small space gardens due to its compact bush habit, and particularly valuable in children's gardens where the purple pods create excitement about harvesting. The attractive pods also make this variety suitable for cutting gardens and can be used in fresh arrangements before the pods become too mature.

How to Identify

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' can be identified by its distinctive deep purple to burgundy snap bean pods that contrast sharply with the typical green foliage. Key identifying features include the compact bush growth habit reaching 18-24 inches tall, trifoliate leaves with purple-tinged veins and stems, and small white to pale lavender flowers. The pods are the most distinctive feature - slender, smooth, and intensely purple colored, typically 4-6 inches long and borne above the foliage for easy harvesting.

Appearance

Bloom Information

Mid to late summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pale lavender

Foliage Description

Green with purple-tinged veins and stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

50-60 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter and consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Water regularly but avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, instead watering at soil level. As a legume, this plant fixes nitrogen through root nodules, so avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote excessive foliage at the expense of pod production. A balanced fertilizer applied at planting is usually sufficient. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the stem base.

Pruning

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' requires minimal pruning as a bush bean variety. Simply remove any damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves as needed throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting of pods when they reach 4-6 inches long encourages continued production. At season end, the entire plant can be cut and composted, or the roots can be left in the soil to decompose and release fixed nitrogen.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' pods are safe for human consumption when cooked, but raw beans and especially raw seeds contain lectins and should not be eaten raw. The mature dried seeds require proper cooking to eliminate potentially harmful compounds. Generally safe for most pets in small quantities when cooked, but raw beans should be kept away from pets.

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

50–60 days

Plant Spacing

6 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
carrots
radishes
marigolds
nasturtiums
corn

Avoid Planting With

onions
garlic
fennel
sunflowers
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Queen' (Purple Queen Bean) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef