Beans

Basic Information

Seed Number

181

Seed Name

Beans

Variety

Kentucky Wonder

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Fabaceae

Plant Type

Pole snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Planting Method

Direct Sow

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

May 19

Last Recommended Planting Date

Aug 1

Plantable Months

May, June, July, August

Indoor Start

Not recorded

Direct Sow

May 19 – Aug 1

Transplant

Not Recommended

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not Recommended

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not Recommended

Germination Days

6–8 days

Harvest/Maturity

60–68 days from direct seeding

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70°F+

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

4-6 in

Row Spacing

30-36 in

Thin-To Spacing

4-6 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 1-2 in/week; maintain even moisture during flowering and pod fill

Soil Preference

Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Minimum Container Size

12+ in container with strong support

Plant Height

6-9 ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

Yes

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

San Diego Seed Company; Renee's Garden; MSU Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after soil warms; provide tall support
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 15 – Jul 10
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 60–70 days
Container Friendly: Yes, large container with a tall trellis
Pollinator Friendly: Somewhat; mostly self-pollinating
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary snap bean
Perennial?: No; annual
Succession / Reusable Notes: Pole beans produce over a long period; pick frequently to keep vines producing.
Zone 6B Notes: One good early planting can produce for weeks once warm weather settles in.
Companion Plants: Cucumbers, carrots, squash, radishes, corn if a planned Three Sisters-style planting is used
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Needs a sturdy 6–8+ ft trellis. Do not sow in cold, soggy soil; watch bean beetles and fungal disease.
Sources: San Diego Seed Company: https://sandiegoseedcompany.com/product/vegetables/beans/organic-kentucky-wonder-pole-bean-seeds/ | Renee's Garden: https://www.reneesgarden.com/products/kentucky-wonder | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after frost once soil reaches approximately 70°F. Provide a tall, sturdy trellis at planting time.
Germination: Warm soil gives the most reliable germination. Avoid cold, saturated conditions.
Harvest: Harvest long green pods frequently while tender. Kentucky Wonder can also be allowed to mature for shelled or dry beans.
Seed Saving: Kentucky Wonder is open-pollinated. Allow pods to become fully dry and brittle before shelling seed.
Special Care: Kentucky Wonder is a vigorous heirloom pole bean that can reach 6-9 feet and requires vertical support.
Research Source: Ferry-Morse — https://ferrymorse.com/products/organic-bean-garden-pole-kentucky-wonder — 6-8 day germination, 60-66 day maturity, 6-8 foot height, container suitability and 1-2 inch weekly water requirement
Research Source: Fedco Seeds — https://fedcoseeds.com/seeds/kentucky-wonder-pole-bean-285 — open-pollinated status and 68-day maturity
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]