How to Grow Purple Long Pod Bean Royal Burgundy
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Purple Long Pod Bean Royal Burgundy
Phaseolus vulgaris
vegetableRoyal Burgundy is a striking heirloom pole bean variety producing deep purple pods that turn green when cooked. These tender, flavorful beans are prolific producers that climb vigorously on trellises or stakes. They mature mid-season and are prized for both fresh eating and cooking.
When should you plant Purple Long Pod Bean Royal Burgundy in your zone?
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Example Purple Long Pod Bean Royal Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple Long Pod Bean Royal Burgundy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Purple Long Pod Bean Royal Burgundy
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Long Pod Bean Royal Burgundy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; can be grown in zones 4-9 with appropriate timing
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days. Seedlings develop cotyledons, then true leaves. Plants remain close to ground initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Ensure adequate light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVines begin climbing rapidly, developing multiple stems and compound leaves. Plant focuses on leaf and stem development.
Install sturdy trellises or poles early (by week 2-3). Provide twine or support structure. Monitor for pests. Maintain consistent watering.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall clusters of purple/pink flowers appear along the vines. Flowers are self-fertile and set pods readily.
Continue regular watering but reduce slightly to encourage flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers. Maintain support structure as plant becomes heavy.
Pod Development & Maturation
4-6 weeksDeep purple pods develop from flowers and elongate to 7-9 inches. Pods remain tender if harvested young; mature pods contain visible beans.
Begin harvesting at desired size (immature for snap beans, or fully mature for storage beans). Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Provide consistent water.
Full Maturity & Seed Stage
2-3 weeksPods mature fully, developing thick-walled seed compartments with large beans inside. Purple coloring fades slightly as pods dry.
Allow pods to fully mature on plant if saving seeds. Stop harvesting to allow final ripening. Water minimally. Pods will dry naturally; harvest when brown and brittle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; hand-pick beetles; spinosad spray if infestation develops
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Hand-pick larvae and adults; apply neem oil or spinosad; encourage natural predators
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Improve air circulation with proper spacing; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; plant resistant varieties
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Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation; sulfur dust or neem oil; avoid overcrowding
Uses
Fresh Snap Beans
CulinaryYoung pods are tender and sweet with a mild, buttery flavor, perfect for steaming, sautéing, or fresh vegetable platters. The striking purple color fades to green upon cooking. [source]
Dried Beans
CulinaryMature beans can be shelled, dried, and stored for winter use in soups, stews, and bean dishes. They have a rich, earthy flavor with creamy texture when cooked. [source]
Legume Nutrition & Protein
MedicinalBeans are excellent sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals including iron, magnesium, and potassium. They support digestive health and stable blood sugar. [source]
Ornamental Garden Value
HouseholdRoyal Burgundy's stunning purple pods and vigorous vining growth make them as attractive as they are productive, suitable for decorative food gardens and edible landscaping. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flower clusters attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to garden ecosystem health and supporting broader pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For tender snap beans, harvest pods when 6-7 inches long, typically 3-4 weeks after flowering. Pods should snap cleanly when bent. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. For dry beans, allow pods to mature fully and turn brown on plant, then shell and dry. Early morning harvest when pods are crisp yields best texture.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Royal Burgundy beans turn from deep purple to green when cooked due to the breakdown of anthocyanin pigments—a dramatic color transformation that delights gardeners and cooks alike.
- 🌱 This heirloom variety is a pole bean, meaning it can grow 6-10 feet tall and produces for many weeks, providing higher yields per plant than bush varieties while saving garden space.
- 🌱 Royal Burgundy beans are nitrogen-fixing legumes, storing atmospheric nitrogen in root nodules and actually improving soil fertility for subsequent crops—a sustainable gardening advantage.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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