Contender beans are a popular, high-yielding variety of Phaseolus vulgaris, commonly known as the snap bean or green bean. Beans are broadly classified into two main categories based on their growth habit: bush beans and pole beans. This distinction determines the plant’s size, need for support, and the pattern of its harvest. Understanding the classification is essential for successful planting and maximum yield.
Contender Beans are Bush Varieties
Contender beans are definitively categorized as a determinate, bush-type variety. This means the plants have a compact, self-supporting structure that typically reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches. The “bush” designation indicates that the plant does not require any staking, trellising, or other artificial support. Their growth is concentrated and ceases once the flowers and pods begin to form.
This determinate growth habit results in the plant producing the majority of its crop quickly and nearly simultaneously. The pods mature over a short, concentrated period, which makes the Contender bean a preferred choice for gardeners who want a large yield ready for preservation, such as canning or freezing. This defined growth pattern distinguishes them clearly from the vining types that require vertical support.
Cultivation Requirements for Bush Beans
Successful cultivation of Contender bush beans requires attention to planting density and soil conditions to maximize the concentrated harvest. Seeds should be planted relatively close together, typically spaced 3 to 4 inches apart within rows that are separated by 24 to 36 inches. This close spacing is possible because the compact plants do not vine or spread extensively.
The beans thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a preferred soil temperature of at least 65°F for optimal germination. Bean plants are capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil, so they generally require lower nitrogen fertilizer but benefit from moderate levels of phosphorus and potassium. Consistent moisture is necessary, especially during flowering and pod development, but overhead watering should be avoided to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Because the pods mature almost all at once, harvesting often requires a single, intensive pass. For a continuous supply of green beans, succession planting is necessary. This involves sowing new batches of seeds every two to three weeks to stagger the harvest windows.
Distinguishing Bush and Pole Bean Growth
The primary difference between bush and pole beans lies in their genetic growth pattern, which is either determinate or indeterminate. Bush beans exhibit a determinate growth habit, meaning they grow to a specific, compact size before flowering and cease vegetative growth. This results in the entire harvest being ready within a narrow window, typically 50 to 60 days after planting.
Pole beans, conversely, have an indeterminate growth habit, continuously producing vines that can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet. These vining plants require a support structure, such as a trellis or pole, to grow vertically. While they take longer to mature, often 60 to 70 days, they offer a prolonged harvest that continues producing new pods until the first frost. Bush beans offer space efficiency in horizontal beds, whereas pole beans utilize vertical space.
Key Characteristics of the Contender Bean
Beyond its bush growth habit, the Contender bean is valued for several specific cultivar traits. It is an early-maturing variety, frequently ready for harvest in approximately 40 to 50 days from seeding, which is notably faster than many other snap bean types. This early production makes it an excellent choice for regions with shorter growing seasons.
The pods are typically stringless, straight to slightly curved, and reach a length of 6 to 8 inches when fully developed. Contender is known for its high yield and adaptability, performing well even in warmer climates. Furthermore, this variety possesses strong resistance to several common diseases, including the Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) and some types of powdery mildew.