Variety selection is essential when growing asparagus beans. The correct selection depends not only on the quantity of the crop, but also on its quality.

Qualities of asparagus beans

To be in demand on the market, a variety must have the following qualities and properties:

  • winter hardiness;
  • drought resistance, heat resistance, salt resistance;
  • resistance to diseases (primarily fungal and bacterial) and pests;
  • rich biochemical composition, health benefits;
  • adaptability and plasticity;
  • high calorie content;
  • high productivity;
  • economic efficiency of cultivation;
  • manufacturability, processability for making soups, salads and other food products.

It is advisable to cultivate varieties of different ripening periods in order to provide yourself with a fresh healthy product for as long as possible.

Asparagus beans: the best varieties for outdoor use

Black Eyed Peas

Among the varieties of green beans, there are about 100 varieties, but some of them are especially widespread due to their properties:

NameShort description
Purple queenThe variety is distinguished by its characteristic purple color and elongated pods, the length of which can reach 14 cm. The positive property of the Purple Queen is resistance to viral diseases. Due to its good adaptability and high yield, the variety can be cultivated in most regions of Russia.
Azuki (radiant)Azuki beans originate from the Himalayas and are cultivated throughout East Asia. Azuki beans have a pleasant dark red color.
Black eyeThe variety gets its name from the small black dot on white seeds. Black-eye beans are very small in size and thin skin, which allows them to cook quickly without soaking.
Green giantThe variety is huge in size. Liana can reach 3 m in length, pods grow up to 22 cm. During the flowering phase, small purple flowers are formed. According to the description of Green Giant beans, fruiting usually begins on the 55th day after planting and lasts until the onset of cold weather.
Golden nectarThe variety reaches a height of 4 meters. The pods are usually 25 cm long, yellowish-golden in color. Fruits are white in color, have high taste, ripen early - 65-70 days after planting. In cooking, it is recommended to use unripe beans and pods.
BluhildaThe asparagus variety Bluhilda is distinguished by its purple color of flowers, pods and leaves. The variety is late, the duration of the growing season is 90-110 days, as a result of which it is recommended to grow it by seedlings in the European part of Russia. Flowering begins early and ends with the onset of cold weather, i.e. the plant contains both fruits and flowers. This makes Bluchilda a valuable variety not only culinary but also decoratively. The pods are 16-24 cm long, expanded, without parchment and fibers, turn green during boiling. If they are harvested too late, they become stiff from the plot. The beans are beige, large, oily when boiled.Liana is heavy and powerful, up to 4 meters in length, as a result of which it needs good support.
CaramelAn early variety with a good, pleasant taste. The pods are green, without parchment. Caramel is resistant to viral diseases.
NoteThe variety is mid-season. From the period of formation of mass shoots to maturation of the blades, it takes about 56-60 days. Light green asparagus shoulder blades are formed on these beans.
OctaveThe harvest of this variety ripens 50 days after the formation of mass shoots. The bush is compact, no more than 40 cm, the shoulder blades are yellowish, about 17 cm long. Octave bean pods can be eaten both fresh and for technological purposes.
GerdaThe variety belongs to the early maturing category. The bush begins to curl in the process of growth, reaches a height of up to 3 meters, so it needs to be fixed to a strong support. There is no parchment layer on the pods; they can reach 20 cm in length.
Golden SachsAn early maturing variety, the harvest ripens on the 50-55th day of the growing season. Golden Sachs beans have a pleasant taste of juicy fruits without the presence of parchment. The bush is low and compact.
RumbaMid-season variety. From the moment of the formation of mass shoots to the ripening of the harvest of the vegetable Rumba beans, 65-90 days pass. The bushes grow up to 3-3.5 m in length and need support. The beans are purple, oblong, without a layer of parchment. Rumba beans are characterized by excellent taste and versatility.
ExaltoEarly middle grade. It is characterized by medium-sized leaves, small to medium-sized white beans. The variety is resistant to anthracnose. Recommended for cultivation in personal subsidiary plots. Tastes of quality are excellent.
LauraFrom emergence to the onset of technical ripeness 65-70 days pass, which makes the variety mid-season. The bush is tall and compact, bush type. Pods are white in color, reach a length of 12 cm and are placed in the upper part of the plant. The variety has positive taste and is suitable both for fresh consumption and for canning. Laura is suitable for mechanized harvesting. Differs in resistance to bacteriosis and anthracnose.
TurkThe variety belongs to the mid-season group. Vines reach up to 3.5 m in length. They are distinguished by thin shoots and thickened foliage. The flowers are bright white. The pods are 17-19 cm long, the color is light green with purple-dark specks. The variety is resistant to anthracnose and bacteriosis.
Red Riding HoodThe bush is compact, no more than 35 cm in height. The leaves are light green, flowers are white. The beans are white; half of their surface area is occupied by a bright red eye. Bean harvest Little Red Riding Hood ripens together, on the 95-100th day after the start of the growing season.
Chocolate girlRipening of the crop begins on the 80-100th day after planting, which makes the variety mid-season. The bush grows up to 30-60 cm. The flowers are bright pink in color. The beans are distinguished by an atypical brown-dark color. Beans Shokoladnitsa are heat- and drought-resistant, can be successfully cultivated in the south of Russia. Resistant to bacteriosis and anthracnose, it is affected by ascochitis.
Dragon TongueIt is also known as Violet. The lianas of the bush grow up to 2.5 m. The inflorescences are very large, characterized by a lilac-pink color. The pods have a pleasant lilac color. The beans are light green at the beginning of the growing season; during the ripening process, they acquire a brown color.
AmethystMedium early bean variety with elongated pods of an unusual dark purple color. The crop ripens at different times, due to which the period of fruit production lasts quite a long time. The main requirement of the variety for cultivation conditions is the presence of heat.
HeldaFrom the emergence of seedlings to technical maturity, about 70 days pass, i.e. mid-season variety. The beans are large (up to 2.5 m in height), curly. Beans of light green color, up to 25 cm long, fleshy and juicy, have a high taste.The variety is unpretentious and easily adapts to new growing conditions.
GaitAn early ripe variety for universal use. Taste and commercial qualities are high. The length of the pods is about 12-13 cm, with the onset of technical ripeness they acquire a dark green color. The variety is resistant to brown spot, mosaic, anthracnose.
EnchantressAn early variety, ripens in 45-50 days. Possesses high palatability, resistance to major diseases of culture, winter hardiness and drought resistance. It is recommended for use in the preparation of various dishes, in particular, such as Korean-style green beans, etc.
MatildaCurly mid-season (65 days before ripening) variety. The beans are 20 cm long, purple and elongated, without a fibrous structure.
Black-eyedThe variety is included in the early maturing group. The bush is compact, about 40 cm high. Pods are yellow, straight, 10-12 cm long. Black-eyed is resistant to most diseases affecting asparagus beans.
Sugar scoopMedium early variety (about 60 days). The bush is compact, occupying no more than 30-40 cm in height. The beans are elongated, slightly curved, about 15 cm long. The fruits are white in color, without parchment and fiber. Technical grade, used in processing. Possesses high taste and resistance to bacteriosis and viral mosaic.
AlyonkaThe variety is mid-season. The beans are flattened, slightly curved; upon the onset of technical ripeness, they acquire a green color, turn yellow and become brighter at biological ripeness. Fruits are dark brown, shiny. The yield is high and stable.
Black brilliantEarly maturing bush variety. Compact (about 40 cm long), forms up to 35 beans. Seeds are elliptical, dark purple. The variety is resistant to mosaic and shows high taste.
FlatMedium early variety with a bush height of about 40 cm. Lime-colored foliage, purple flowers, medium size. The beans are up to 16 cm long, suitable for preparing various dishes.
Golden NecklaceAn early ripe bean variety that requires support for the bushes. Plants climb and grow up to 2.5 m in length. Pods are slightly curved, bright yellow, about 17 cm long. Resistant to anthracnose and bacteriosis.

note: Green or yellow green beans are often combined into one group - turche beans.

Cowpea is often confused with asparagus. Despite the external similarity, these are not analogues, but completely different species. It is a bushy plant that winds in some cases. Fruiting begins in July and lasts until mid-autumn. Fruits are small shades, light and dark shades. They can be substituted for asparagus beans if necessary. The most common varieties of cowpea:

  • Japanese;
  • Vietnamese;
  • Chinese;
  • Korean.

Vigna vegetable

Growing recommendations

The culture cannot be cultivated in the same place. It is possible to return it to the previous plot only after a lapse of at least 3-4 years. Also, do not cultivate it after the rest of the legumes.

Most suitable predecessors:

  • carrot;
  • beet;
  • tomatoes;
  • eggplant;
  • potatoes;
  • cereals;
  • radish;
  • cabbage, etc.

Soil preparation

The plot must be started in the fall. Dig up the soil, making for each square meter:

  • 4 kg of humus;
  • 2 tbsp. l. fluff or dolomite flour;
  • 1 st. l. nitrate and superphosphate.

Preparing the soil for planting

In this state, the site is left for the winter. A few days before sowing, the soil is again dug up and leveled with a rake. If the soil is viscous and heavy, it is recommended to add sand to it at the rate of 5 kg per meter squared. To disinfect the site, it is sprayed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate several hours before planting.

The seeds must first be sorted out, removing small, defective, injured ones. It is necessary to leave only large, fully formed and completed ones. After that, they are placed for 12 hours in a container with water heated to + 35-40C, then the water must be drained.

Landing place

The area for growing asparagus beans should be well lit, but at the same time, protection from the winds is necessary. Slight shading is allowed. It is best to plant plants on the east side to improve the lighting of the plants in the afternoon.

The soil should be fertile, loosened and moisture permeable. The reaction is neutral or slightly alkaline. Acidic soils are neutralized with fluff or ash. Waterlogged, clayey and nitrogen-saturated soils are not suitable for growing asparagus beans. With a close occurrence of groundwater, it is also better to refrain from cultivation.

Seedlings of asparagus beans

Disembarkation and preliminary care

Asparagus beans are thermophilic crops. It can be planted in open ground only after the threat of frost has completely passed.

Important: sprouts can die at temperatures of + 5C and below.

To disinfect the seed, it is soaked for a day in a solution of potassium permanganate. Then you need to soak the swollen seeds in a solution of boric acid (10 g of the drug per liter of water) for 2-3 minutes. The procedure helps protect plants from harmful insects.

On the plot, they dig grooves 5-6 cm deep and spill them with settled water. Then the seeds are placed there and they are embedded to a depth of about 4 cm. After that, the soil is leveled and humus is sprinkled on it, evenly distributing it. If possible, it is recommended to stretch a polyethylene film over the bed, fixing it along the edges of the groove. This will speed up the seed germination process.

Row spacing should be 25-30 cm for bush plants and 45-50 cm for climbing plants.

Outdoor asparagus beans

Usually, after a week and a half, seedlings begin to appear on the surface of the earth. During this period, it is necessary to thin out, leaving a distance of 25-30 and 10-15 cm between plants for climbing and bush varieties, respectively. When the seedlings reach 10-12 cm, they are spud to strengthen the root system. When cultivating climbing varieties, it is necessary to install a 2-meter support on which the bush is fixed after the arrow has formed on it.

Watering

Irrigation is carried out early in the morning and in the evenings, so as not to burn the foliage from the sun's rays. One abundant watering per week is often enough. The top layer of the earth must always be moist.

In the phase of formation of 4-5 leaves, watering is reduced, but closer to the beginning of flowering, they increase again. Upon completion of irrigation, the soil is loosened and raked closer to the bush in order to increase air access to the root system. At the same time, weeds should be removed.

One abundant watering per week is enough

Fertilizers

When the first leaves appear, the plants need to increase the vegetative mass, for which they are fed with superphosphate (30-40 g per square meter). When the pods begin to ripen, they switch to the use of wood ash.

Like most legumes, beans are capable of self-extracting nitrogen. As a result, the culture is able to do without fertilizing with this element. Moreover, it will provoke excessive growth of green mass, which will negatively affect the yield.

Protection against diseases and pests

Asparagus beans are susceptible to a number of diseases, especially during the first phases of the growing season. The most dangerous for her are:

  • powdery mildew;
  • anthracnose;
  • root rot;
  • bacteriosis;
  • ascochitis;
  • white rot;
  • mosaic.

Asparagus beans prone to disease

To combat them, special fungicides are used. Mosaicity and other viral ailments cannot be treated, and therefore the affected plants must be removed from the site as quickly as possible before the disease spreads to other plants.

Among pests, the greatest harm to asparagus beans is:

  • whitefly;
  • sprout fly;
  • slugs;
  • melon aphid.

They are destroyed with insecticides. Slugs are allowed to be collected by hand.

Harvest of asparagus beans

Harvesting

Fruit ripening usually begins in July-August and, depending on the variety, can last until autumn. The pods can be harvested during milky ripeness, before they have hardened or lost their flavor.

Ripening should be monitored daily and only those pods that have been hanging for less than a week should be collected. Harvesting is done early in the morning. Plucked pods are eaten or allowed to freeze or for processing according to special recipes.