Beans

Basic Information

Seed Number

187

Seed Name

Beans

Variety

Cherokee Wax Yellow Bush

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Fabaceae

Plant Type

Yellow wax bush 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 15

Plantable Months

May, June, July, August

Indoor Start

Not recorded

Direct Sow

May 19 – Aug 15

Transplant

Not Recommended

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not Recommended

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not Recommended

Germination Days

4–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

50–55 days from direct seeding

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-85°F

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

2-3 in

Row Spacing

18-36 in

Thin-To Spacing

3-4 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

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

Soil Preference

Well-drained soil with moderate fertility

Minimum Container Size

12+ in container

Plant Height

12-20 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

Ferry-Morse; 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
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 15 – Jul 25
Container Friendly: Yes, 3–5+ gal
Pollinator Friendly: Somewhat; mostly self-pollinating but flowers are visited by insects
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary bean
Perennial?: No; annual
Succession / Reusable Notes: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a longer harvest.
Zone 6B Notes: Wait for warm soil; bush beans mature quickly enough for several plantings in Zone 6B.
Companion Plants: Cucumbers, carrots, corn, squash, radishes, marigolds, nasturtiums
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Do not sow into cold, soggy soil. Watch bean beetles and fungal diseases; rotate legumes where practical.
Sources: Ferry-Morse: https://ferrymorse.com/products/bean-garden-cherokee-wax | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after frost once soil is above 60°F. Its 50-55 day maturity allows repeated summer sowings in Southeast Michigan.
Germination: Best germination occurs around 70-85°F. Avoid planting in soil below about 60°F.
Harvest: Pick bright-yellow pods at approximately 5-6 inches while tender and crisp. Frequent harvest encourages further pod production.
Seed Saving: Cherokee Wax is open-pollinated. Allow pods to become fully mature, dry and brittle before shelling seed.
Special Care: Cherokee Wax is a compact yellow-podded bush bean and does not require support.
Research Source: Ferry-Morse — https://ferrymorse.com/products/bean-garden-cherokee-wax — 7-10 day germination, 54-day maturity, 12-20 inch height, container suitability, full sun and water needs
Research Source: Pinetree Garden Seeds — https://www.superseeds.com/products/cherokee-wax-bean-bush-55-days — Phaseolus vulgaris identity, 4-10 day germination, 70-85°F optimum soil temperature, 1-inch depth, 2-3 inch spacing and planting only above 60°F
Research Source: Urban Farmer — https://www.ufseeds.com/product/cherokee-wax-bean-seeds/BECW.html — 50-55 day maturity, bush habit and 5-6 inch yellow pods
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]