Dragon Tongue

Bean

Zone 5b Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Bush

Savory-sweet and vividly colored, Dragon Tongue bush beans unfurl in striking, ribbon-like pods—deep green with warm golden strip…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 4th
Harvest Begins	Jun 28th
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Wisconsin SMR 58 Cucumber

County Fair Cucumber

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Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold

Picklebush Cucumber

Kettle Corn Corn

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem most often affects Phaseolus vulgaris (dragon tongue beans), and how do I treat it?

Watch for bean rust and fungal leaf spots, especially after warm, humid weather—small orange/brown spots on leaves that spread quickly are a giveaway. Remove infected leaves early, improve airflow between plants, and water at soil level (not overhead). If the problem is spreading, use a labeled copper-based fungicide and repeat according to label directions to protect new growth.

How often should I water dragon tongue beans during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I keep?

During flowering and pod filling, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to stay lightly damp, not dry and cracking. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat (more often in hot spells) so moisture reaches the root zone. Avoid letting the soil swing between dry and wet, which can cause flower drop and thin, poorly filled pods.

How can I tell when dragon tongue beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are fully developed but still tender—typically around 50–60 days from sowing, which matches the ~55-day maturity. Pick pods when they’re about pencil to finger thickness (about 0.5–0.75 inch / 1.3–2 cm) and the seeds inside are just beginning to bulge. If pods are hard to snap cleanly or the seeds are noticeably swollen, they’re past peak tenderness.

Savory-sweet and vividly colored, Dragon Tongue bush beans unfurl in striking, ribbon-like pods—deep green with warm golden striping that glows in the garden. Tender and crisp when young, they deliver a delicate, nutty bean flavor that shines in fresh salads and quick sautés, and they also hold their shape beautifully for pickling and preserves. Grow them for a harvest that feels as rewarding as it looks: abundant pods, steady performance, and a distinctive look you’ll want to show off at every picking.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Sow after soil warms and keep it consistently moist until emergence—bush beans hate cold soil and do best with direct sowing.