Beans

Basic Information

Seed Number

188

Seed Name

Beans

Variety

Golden Wax 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

7–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

50–60 days from direct seeding

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

60°F+

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

3-6 in

Row Spacing

18-30 in

Thin-To Spacing

4-6 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Maintain even moisture during flowering and pod development

Soil Preference

Well-drained soil with moderate fertility

Minimum Container Size

3–5+ gal

Plant Height

About 16-20 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

Underwood Gardens; 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
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 45–60 days
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: Underwood Gardens: https://store.underwoodgardens.com/Golden-Wax-Bean-Phaseolus-vulgaris/productinfo/V1384/ | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after the May 5 last frost once soil has warmed. Repeat sowings about every 2 weeks through midsummer for continued harvest.
Germination: Avoid sowing into cold, saturated soil. Beans germinate and establish more reliably once soil is at least about 60°F.
Harvest: Harvest smooth golden-yellow pods while tender, generally around 5-7 inches long depending on strain. Frequent picking extends production.
Seed Saving: Golden Wax is an open-pollinated Phaseolus vulgaris bush bean. Allow pods to dry completely before shelling seed.
Special Care: Golden Wax is an old heirloom wax bean introduced in the 19th century. Commercial strains vary slightly in pod length and maturity, so a verified range is preserved.
Research Source: Ontario Seed Company — https://www.oscseeds.com/product/golden-wax-organic-yellow-bush-bean-seeds-4005/ — Golden Wax heirloom identity, bush habit and golden-yellow pod characteristics
Research Source: McKenzie Seeds — https://mckenzieseeds.com/products/bean-golden-wax-bush-organic — compact bush habit and 6-7 inch stringless yellow pods
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]