Annabel

Family: Fabaceae Vegetable

Tender, glossy pods come on with a bright, sunlit snap—Annabel wax beans are prized for their buttery flavor and crisp, succulent texture.

At maturity the slender, waxy pods hold their pale golden-green glow, making them especially appealing for fresh garden harvest and for quick, vibrant preparations where their delicate sweetness shines. Grow Annabel for a steady, garden-friendly harvest of uniform pods that look as good as they taste.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Bush

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Annabel wax beans are all about that immediate, glassy snap—heat them fast and don’t overcook or they go dull and soft. Treat them like a buttery-sweet vegetable that wants butter-lemon brightness or olive oil with sharp salt, so the pods stay glossy and springy.

Best Uses

quick sauté with butter and lemon zest
steamed or blanched beans finished with olive oil and flaky salt
stir-fry where they stay bright and snappy
light char/roast for browned edges while keeping the center crisp

Flavor Profile

buttery, sweet-leaning pod flavor clean, crisp snap tender-meaty bite with a glossy, almost silky mouthfeel

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon butter olive oil toasted almonds Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on Annabel plants?

Annabel can get powdery mildew when nights are cool and days are humid; look for a white, powdery film on leaves that later yellows and drops. Remove the worst leaves immediately, then improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line (not the foliage). If it keeps spreading, spray a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product every 5–7 days until new growth stays clean.

How often should I water Annabel during the main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly weeks 2–6), keep soil evenly moist but never soggy—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 1–2 waterings. Check by digging 2–3 inches down: if it’s dry there, water; if it’s wet or clumpy, wait. Consistent moisture helps Annabel form quickly and reduces stress-related leaf issues.

When is Annabel ready to harvest?

Annabel is ready when plants reach about 55 days from sowing and the heads/produce are fully sized and firm (not soft or hollow). Harvest in the morning when growth is crisp, and don’t wait for over-mature, as quality can decline quickly. If you’re unsure, cut one test piece—if the interior is fully developed with the expected tenderness for Annabel, harvest the rest the same day.