Wax beans are a variety of yellow green beans, known for their bright, golden-coloured pods. They are similar in taste and texture to traditional green beans but are distinguished by their yellow hue. Wax beans belong to the same family as other beans, such as pole and bush beans, and can be grown in both types, depending on the variety. These beans are tender and slightly sweeter than green beans, making them a popular choice for salads, stir-fries, and side dishes. They have a smooth texture and a mild flavour, which can be enhanced by cooking or steaming. Wax beans are often harvested when the pods are still young and tender, as older pods can become stringy and tough.

Key Characteristics: Colour: The most distinguishing feature of wax beans is their bright yellow colour, which makes them visually striking in dishes. Shape and Size: The pods are typically about 4 to 6 inches long, with a similar shape to green beans. Taste and Texture: Wax beans have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a smooth, tender texture. Varieties: Wax beans come in both bush and pole varieties, with pole beans growing taller and requiring a trellis for support, while bush varieties grow more compactly. Growing Wax Beans: Wax beans are easy to grow, much like green beans, and thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun. They require regular watering and can be harvested in about 50 to 60 days from planting, depending on the variety. Culinary Uses: Fresh: Enjoy wax beans fresh, steamed, or sautéed in olive oil with garlic for a simple, flavourful side dish. Pickled: They can also be pickled or canned, preserving their bright colour and flavour for later use. In Dishes: Wax beans make an attractive addition to salads, casseroles, and stir-fries, offering a slightly sweeter alternative to traditional green beans. Wax beans are a delicious and visually appealing choice for gardeners and cooks alike, adding a burst of colour and a sweet, mild flavour to any meal.

How To Grow

Growing wax beans is similar to growing other types of green beans, whether they are bush or pole varieties. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow wax beans successfully:

1. Choose the Right Variety Bush Wax Beans: These grow in a compact, bushy form and don’t require support. They’re typically ready to harvest in about 50-60 days. Pole Wax Beans: These are climbing beans and need a support structure like a trellis, fence, or stakes. They tend to take longer to mature, usually about 60-75 days, but they can produce a higher yield over a longer period.

2. Select a Planting Location Sunlight: Wax beans require full sun, so choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Soil: Wax beans prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). You can improve the soil by adding compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.

3. Prepare the Soil Loosen the soil to a depth of about 2-3 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Beans don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but adding compost can improve the soil’s fertility and moisture retention. Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, so they help enrich the soil for other crops, making them beneficial in crop rotation.

4. Planting When to Plant: Wait until after the last frost date and when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). Typically, this is in late spring or early summer. Planting Depth: Sow the seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. Spacing: Space seeds 2 to 4 inches apart for bush varieties, and 4 to 6 inches apart for pole beans. For pole beans, plant the seeds along the base of a trellis or support structure. Row Spacing: Leave 18 to 36 inches between rows to allow for good air circulation and room for the plants to grow.

5. Care During Growth Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to overwater, as soggy soil can cause the beans to rot. Weeding: Regularly remove weeds that can compete for nutrients and water. Mulching around the plants can help suppress weeds and retain moisture. Support for Pole Beans: If you’re growing pole wax beans, make sure to set up a trellis or other support before planting, as these beans need something to climb. As the beans grow, they will naturally wind around the support. Fertilizing: Since beans fix their own nitrogen, they generally don’t need extra fertilizer. However, if your plants look weak or yellow, a light dose of a balanced fertilizer can be applied.

6. Pest and Disease Management Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, bean beetles, and caterpillars. You can use organic pest control methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil to keep them in check. Beans are susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid or crowded conditions, so ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

How/When To Harvesting

Harvesting wax beans is a simple process, but timing is key to ensure the beans are tender and flavourful. Here's how to properly harvest your wax beans:

1. Timing the Harvest When to Harvest: Wax beans are typically ready to harvest about 50 to 60 days after planting for bush varieties and 60 to 75 days for pole varieties. Check the Pods: Harvest when the pods are firm and fully formed but still tender. The beans inside should not be too swollen or overripe. If you wait too long, the beans may become tough and stringy. Colour: The pods of wax beans should be a bright yellow colour when they are ready for harvest.

2. How to Harvest Bush Wax Beans: For bush varieties, the pods grow close to the plant, so you can easily pick them by hand. Gently pull the pods from the plant, being careful not to damage the plant or its remaining beans. If the pods are tough to snap off, use scissors or pruning shears to cut them off. Pole Wax Beans: If you are growing pole beans, they will be on vines or a trellis. Gently pull the pods from the vines or cut them with scissors. Be sure to support the plant while harvesting to prevent damage to the vines or trellis.

3. Harvesting Tips Harvest Regularly: To encourage continued production, harvest the beans every 2 to 3 days. This prevents the beans from becoming overripe and helps the plant focus energy on producing new pods. Avoid Overripe Pods: Overripe pods can become tough and difficult to eat, so aim to harvest them while they are still tender and crisp.

4. After Harvesting Storage: Freshly harvested wax beans can be enjoyed immediately, or you can store them in the fridge for a few days. If you want to preserve them, blanch the beans (briefly boil them, then cool in ice water) and freeze them for later use. Final Harvest: Once the plants are done producing, you can remove the vines (if growing pole beans) and compost the plant material.