How to Grow Kidney Bean (Dry Bean)
Phaseolus vulgaris
Kidney beans are grown to full seed maturity and dried for winter cooking. Sow after last frost when soil is above 12°C — they are frost-tender. Provide climbing support (2m canes or netting) for climbing varieties; bush types need no support. Water well during flowering. The key difference from French beans is patience — leave pods on the plant until completely papery and dry. Covers red kidney, navy, black turtle, and cannellini types.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 3 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 12°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed — kidney beans fix their own nitrogen. A light compost mulch at planting is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote foliage over pods.
- Kidney beans are grown to full seed maturity and dried — the same species as French beans but a completely different growing experience. The wait is longer but the reward is a storecupboard staple. Covers red kidney, navy, black turtle, and cannellini types.
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 | 200 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Climbing varieties need support with canes or netting at least 2m tall. Bush varieties can be grown without support at closer spacing.
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 Kidney Bean (Dry Bean)?
- Plant Kidney Bean (Dry Bean) 15cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Kidney Bean (Dry Bean)?
- Kidney Bean (Dry Bean) is ready to harvest approximately 80 days after transplanting.
- Is Kidney Bean (Dry Bean) frost hardy?
- Kidney Bean (Dry Bean) is classified as Tender.
