Contender Bush Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Early Contender’

Characteristics

Culture

Contender Bush Beans are a stringless, open-pollinated bush bean variety that produces about a week earlier than most bush bean varieties. Upright plants produce 5-8″ pods that are best when harvested around 5-6″ long.  Beans should be planted in spring after the last frost has occurred. Beans will germinate best once soil temps have reached 65 F or higher. Optimal germination temperature is around 77 F. Seeds can require 8 to 16 days to germinate, depending on the soil temperature. For continual production, succession plant every couple of weeks throughout the spring and early summer. Plants will drop blooms or cease production in the heat of summer. Subsequent succession plantings may be made in late summer/fall, as long as enough time is permitted before the first frost date. Direct seeding is recommended. 

Noteworthy Characteristics

Due to its early production, Contender bush beans are a great variety for planting zones with shorter growing seasons and an excellent choice for fall gardening when needing to harvest before the first average frost. Contender is widely adapted and performs great in southern climates as well.

Problems

The top beans grow straight, but some beans toward the bottom of the plant will curve, so they are a bit more difficult to can than your average “straight” bean. Click here for more information about disease issues and pests.

Uses

Contender Bush Beans are excellent for eating fresh, canning, and freezing.