Beans are a common and rewarding plant for many gardeners, progressing through distinct phases from a small seed to a productive plant. Understanding these stages can help foster a thriving garden and a successful harvest.
From Seed to Sprout
A bean plant’s journey begins with a seed. When planted, the seed absorbs water, causing it to swell and soften its outer protective coating, the seed coat. This moisture activates the embryo within, starting germination.
The first visible sign of growth is the emergence of the radicle, the embryonic root, which pushes downward to anchor the developing plant and absorb water and nutrients. Following the radicle, the hypocotyl, the embryonic stem, elongates and arches upward, pushing through the soil surface. This pulls the cotyledons, or seed leaves, above ground. These cotyledons contain stored food reserves, providing initial energy for the seedling until it can photosynthesize.
Early Plant Development
Once cotyledons emerge, the young plant rapidly develops. Shortly after, the first “true leaves” unfurl. These true leaves have the characteristic shape of mature bean leaves, often appearing as a single unifoliate leaf initially, followed by trifoliate leaves composed of three leaflets.
During this phase, the root system continues to expand deeper into the soil, establishing a foundation. The main stem grows taller and stronger, whether a compact bush variety or a vining pole type seeking support. This vegetative growth develops more leaves to maximize photosynthesis, preparing for reproductive stages.
Flowering and Pod Formation
As the bean plant matures, around 6 to 8 weeks after germination, it transitions to its reproductive stage, marked by flowers. These flowers signify the plant’s readiness to produce beans. Bean plants are largely self-pollinating, producing pods without external pollinators, though insects can assist.
Following successful pollination, the flowers begin to shrivel, and small bean pods develop at their base. These pods rapidly grow, elongating and filling as individual beans form inside them. The plant dedicates energy, ensuring seed development within the protective pods. Continuous development of flowers and pods allows for an extended harvest period.
Harvesting and Beyond
Harvesting beans depends on the type grown: snap, shell, or dry beans. Snap beans are harvested when pods are tender, firm, and before seeds become prominent, about 50 to 70 days after planting. Regular picking of snap beans every one to two days encourages more flowers and pods, extending the harvest season.
Shell beans are harvested when pods are plump and beans are well-formed but still fresh, around 70 to 80 days after planting. The pods will feel firm and may begin to change color.
For dry beans, pods are left on the plant until fully mature, dry, and brittle, with beans rattling when shaken. This occurs later, around 90 to 100 days after planting, allowing beans to fully dry for storage. After harvest, the bean plant’s life cycle concludes, with seeds ready for future planting or consumption.