How to Grow Black Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Black beans are grown to full seed maturity and dried for use in Latin American and Caribbean cooking. Sow after last frost when soil is above 12°C — they are frost-tender. Mostly bush habit, so no support is needed. Water well during flowering. Leave pods on the plant until completely papery and the seeds rattle inside before harvesting.
When to Start
Sow indoors 3 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 12°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed — black beans fix their own nitrogen. A light compost mulch at planting is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote foliage over pods.
- Black beans (black turtle beans) are grown to full seed maturity and dried — a staple of Latin American, Caribbean, and Cuban cuisine. The same species as French beans but grown entirely for their glossy black dried seeds. Bush habit makes them easy to manage without support.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
- Germination temperature
- 12–30°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 4 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
Primarily a bush habit plant that needs no support. Some climbing varieties exist and need canes or netting at least 2m tall.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 12°C |
| Germination temperature | 12–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Black Bean?
- Plant Black Bean 15cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Black Bean?
- Black Bean is ready to harvest approximately 75 days after transplanting.
- Is Black Bean frost hardy?
- Black Bean is classified as Half Hardy.
