How long does it take to grow Great Northern Beans?

Great Northern beans [Phaseolus vulgaris] are shell beans. There are varieties that can be grown as bush beans, others as pole. The basic growing difference is the supports that pole beans need. Because of the supports, pole varieties take up less space. Within that space, they tend to have higher yields and summer long harvests.

Plant after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach 65-70 degrees F. Use mildly acidic to neutral soil, in the 6.0-6.8 pH range. The soil needs to be well drained. Successful germination temperatures tend to fall in the 70-80 degree F range.

Nitrogen fixing bacteria are advantages of such Leguminaceae family members as Great Northern beans. So intake of enough nitrogen doesn't tend to be a problem for beans and peas. NPK fertilizers, with lower nitrogen rates, therefore are preferred.

Beans self pollinate. So every other row needs to be devoted to a plant other than beans. Bush beans need to be staggered every 2-4-6 inches in rows 18-24-36 inchesapart.

Harvest before beans dry. That means that the pods still are swollen.

Containers grow four bush beans at one time, in one 18 inch space. Pole beans also are planted one inch deep. Poles need to be staggered every 6-12-15 inches, with beans planted one inch deep around each pole. They need to be staggered every 3-4 inches along a fence or trellis.