Green Yard Long, Heirloom Pole Bean Seeds

Green Yard Long, Heirloom Pole Bean Seeds — The Asian Heirloom That Produces When It’s Too Hot for Regular Green Beans, Pods Up to 36 Inches

Green Yard Long (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) is a distinctive and productive Asian heirloom pole bean celebrated for its exceptionally long, slender pods — reaching 18 to 36 inches in length and no thicker than a pencil at harvest. Also known as the Oriental Yard Long, asparagus bean, or Chinese long bean, this heat-loving climber thrives in hot, humid summers where traditional green beans give up. Vigorous 9–12 foot vines produce striking purple flowers that bloom in pairs and can grow several inches in a single day at peak summer. More tolerant of heat and weather fluctuations than standard green beans — an invaluable warm-season producer. 85 days.

Why Grow Green Yard Long?

• Produces when it’s too hot for regular green beans — invaluable in summer gardens
• Slender pods 18–36 inches long — straight, smooth, bright green, excellent quality
• Striking purple flowers that bloom in pairs — beautiful, pollinator-friendly, and bee-adored
• Rapid grower — vines can grow several inches per day at peak summer
• Nitrogen-fixing legume — enriches soil while it produces
• Heat and humidity tolerant — more resilient than traditional green beans
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

In the Kitchen

Harvest pods at 15–18 inches when no thicker than a pencil for the best flavor and texture — tender, crisp, and mildly sweet with a subtle nutty undertone. Cut into 2-inch sections for stir-fries and curries. Sauté with garlic and sesame oil for a classic Asian side. Steam whole and serve with dipping sauce. Add to soups and braises. Pickle young pods in rice vinegar for a crunchy condiment. The firm texture holds up exceptionally well to high-heat cooking. Do not let pods over-mature — they become tough and fibrous. Harvest frequently to keep the plant producing all season.

Companion Planting

Plant alongside corn, cucumbers, and eggplants — these companions create a beneficial microclimate and help deter pests. Avoid planting near onions or garlic, which can inhibit bean growth. As a nitrogen-fixing legume, Green Yard Long enriches surrounding soil, benefiting neighboring heavy feeders.

Growing Notes

Direct sow only — beans do not transplant well. Sow 1 inch deep directly into warm soil (65°F+) after all frost danger has passed. Space seeds 4–6 inches apart in rows at least 24 inches apart. Install a sturdy trellis, poles, or other support 6–8 feet tall at planting — vines grow fast and will climb anything available. Full sun. Well-draining, fertile loamy soil (pH 6.0–6.8). Water deeply 1 inch per week at the base; avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal disease risk. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Moderate fertilizer only — too much nitrogen encourages vine growth at the expense of pods. Side-dress with compost at mid-growth. Harvest at 15–18 inches frequently for continuous production throughout the season.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.