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Phaseolus vulgaris 'Roma II'
Roma II Bush Bean
Open-pollinated cultivar (Italian flat bean type); the species P. vulgaris is native to Central America (Mexico, Guatemala)
Overview
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Roma II' is Roma II bush bean (Roma II Italian flat bean), a bush (determinate) annual growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Flat wide green pods 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) long and 0.75 inch (2 cm) wide — the Italian flat bean shape. The flat wide shape holds sauces and seasonings (unlike round pods). White pea-type flowers. Medium green trifoliate compound foliage. In the legume family (Fabaceae spp.). Open-pollinated — seed can be saved. The Roma II designation distinguishes it from the original Roma (a pole type) — Roma II is the bush version. Bush type: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) — no staking required. Direct-sow only — beans resent transplanting. Nitrogen-fixing: inoculate seed with Rhizobium spp. bacteria. Concentrated harvest over 2-3 weeks — succession-sow every 2-3 weeks 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 (Italian flat bean type). 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). Italian flat bush bean. Open-pollinated. Direct-sow. Succession-sow. Not deer-resistant. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer (June-August). White pea-type (papilionaceous) flowers. Self-pollinating. Pods 50-60 days from direct sow. Bush type: concentrated harvest.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pea-type (papilionaceous), 0.5 inch (12 mm)Foliage Description
Medium green, trifoliate compound leavesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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 and fibrous.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting 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
4 inches
Companion Planting
Avoid Planting With