Lazy Wife Greasy

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sink your senses into the lush, glossy pods of Lazy Wife Greasy—sleek, deeply green, and famously “greasy” in their sheen as they hang in generous, easy-to-harvest lengths.

The flavor is sweet and grassy-fresh with a tender snap, holding their character beautifully for quick skillet-style favorites and vibrant fresh use. Grow this pole bean for a steady, season-long harvest that turns the trellis into a living curtain of polished pods.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Clumping

Botanical illustration of Lazy Wife Greasy

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	Clumping
Support Needed	Trellis
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

These pole beans earn their “greasy” reputation on the plate: that glossy skin and tender interior translate into a bright, juicy snap that holds up in a hot pan without turning meal-y. Use them fast—quick sauté or roast—so you get the sweet, grassy bite before they lose their clean structure.

Best Uses

quick skillet sauté with butter/olive oil and a splash of vinegar
blanch-and-chill salad pods that stay snappy under dressing
garlic-parmesan roasting (high heat) so they brown without going limp
fresh “stringless” style quick cook: steam then toss to coat, not simmer

Flavor Profile

sweet, grassy-fresh snap tender pod flesh with a clean bite high, glossy juiciness that roasts down nicely lightly bean-forward, never starchy

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon butter parmesan red wine vinegar black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and what should I do?

Look for aphids and bean leaf rust or powdery mildew, which show up as stippled leaves (aphids) or orange-brown spots/white powdery growth (rust/mildew) during warm, humid periods. Remove heavily affected leaves early, spray affected foliage with insecticidal soap for aphids, and improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line (not the leaves). If rust/mildew is spreading fast, remove infected plants to protect the rest of the row.

How often should I water Phaseolus vulgaris during peak growth (flowering and pod fill)?

During flowering and pod fill, keep soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, adjusted for your weather. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, because beans that dry out between waterings and re-wet heavily can drop flowers and slow pod development.

How can I tell when Phaseolus vulgaris is ready to harvest?

Harvest snap beans when pods are fully sized but still tender and can be pierced easily with a fingernail; for most cultivars this is around 50–60 days after sowing. If you see seeds swelling enough that pods feel firm, begin harvesting more frequently because peak tenderness is short and pods get tough quickly.