Contender Bush Bean is a dependable heirloom variety prized for its early maturity, heavy yields, and exceptional adaptability. A member of the Fabaceae family, this classic bush bean has earned a reputation among gardeners for producing abundant harvests of tender, stringless pods even under challenging growing conditions.
The smooth green pods are crisp, flavorful, and entirely stringless when harvested young. Contender Bush Beans are excellent for fresh eating, steaming, boiling, sautéing, soups, stews, freezing, and canning. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them one of the most versatile and popular bush bean varieties for home gardens.
This productive warm-season crop thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 and performs best in full sun. Direct sow seeds after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F. Consistent moisture and proper spacing encourage vigorous growth and abundant pod production throughout the season.
Fast growing, reliable, and highly productive, Contender Bush Bean remains one of the finest heirloom bean varieties for gardeners seeking early harvests, excellent flavor, and dependable performance year after year.
Contender Bush Bean Seed Details
- Quantity: 25 Seeds
- Plant Type: Heirloom Bush Bean
- Family: Fabaceae
- Pod Appearance: Tender Green Stringless Pods
- Flavor: Mild and Crisp
- Best Uses: Fresh Eating, Steaming, Boiling, Sautéing, Soups, Stews, Canning, Freezing
- Seed Planting Depth: 1.5 Inches
- Germination Temperature: 75°F
- Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
- Row Spacing: 36 Inches
- Plant Spacing: 6 Inches
- 100' Row Yield: 24 Pounds
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun
- Harvest Time: Approximately 57 Days
- Special Features: Stringless Pods, Early Maturing, Heavy Producer, Excellent Disease Resistance
How to Save Seeds
Beans are primarily self-pollinating and rarely cross with other bean varieties. However, occasional crossing can occur. To maintain varietal purity, separate different bean varieties by approximately 150 feet whenever possible.
Allow pods selected for seed saving to remain on the plant until they are fully mature and completely dry. Mature pods will become brittle and begin to dry naturally on the plant.
After harvesting, spread the pods out in a dry, well-ventilated area and allow them to cure for an additional week if needed. This ensures the seeds are fully dried and suitable for long-term storage.
Once completely dry, shell the beans from the pods and remove any debris or damaged seed. Store seeds in a cool, dry location for future planting.