Bean 'Python'

Phaseolus vulgaris — Python Pole Bean
This highly productive pole bean produces long, smooth pods with exceptional flavour and appearance. Glossy, dark green pods reach 16–20" in length, remaining stringless, sweet, and tender—ideal for steaming and stir-fries. Vines feature attractive, waxy foliage and require trellising for support. With both productivity and refined eating quality, this bean is a standout in the summer garden.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

SITE: Sun

TYPE: Annual

DEPTH: 1"

GERMINATION: 8-14 Days at 21 - 30°C

MATURITY: 80 Days from direct seeding

SPACING: 3" apart in rows 4'

HOW TO GROW:

Planting:

• When to Plant: Cowpeas are a warm-season crop and are extremely sensitive to frost. Sow seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 18°C (65°F). They thrive in hot weather.

• Where to Plant: Choose a location with full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily). As a legume, they fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a good rotation crop.

• Sowing Seeds: Sow seeds about 1 inch deep. Space them 3-6 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart for bush varieties. For vining varieties (like yardlong beans), space plants 6-8 inches apart and provide a trellis or pole for them to climb.

Soil & Fertilizing:

• Soil Preference: Cowpeas are not fussy about soil type and can tolerate poor soils. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).

• Fertilizing: As a legume, cowpeas fix their own nitrogen in the soil. Do not apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer, as this will result in lush foliage but very few pods. A light application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer or amending the soil with compost is usually sufficient.

Watering:

• Cowpeas are very drought-tolerant once established. Water them regularly to keep the soil consistently moist until they start to flower and set pods. Once the pods begin to form, they require less water, as overwatering can cause the pods to rot.

Pests & Diseases:

• Cowpeas are generally hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids and beetles. Pests can often be managed by attracting beneficial insects or by using a strong spray of water. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal diseases.

Harvesting:

• For Green Pods (like yardlong beans): Harvest pods when they are young, tender, and about the thickness of a pencil. Snap them off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. The more you harvest, the more the plant will produce.

• For Dry Beans (like black-eyed peas): Allow the pods to fully mature and dry on the plant. The pods will turn brown and brittle. Harvest the entire plant or individual pods when they are completely dry, and shell the beans from the pods.