Grow a garden classic that never lets you down!
Tendergreen Improved is the kind of bean your grandparents swore by, and for good reason. With its tender, stringless pods and heat-hardy nature, this heirloom favorite brings dependable harvests and old-fashioned flavor to gardens big and small.
Variety: Bush Bean – Tendergreen Improved (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Growth Habit: Compact and sturdy bush-type
Height: 18–20 inches
Flavor Profile: Mild, tender, and just a touch sweet
Color: Medium green, stringless pods (about 6 inches long)
Planting Conditions: Direct sow in full sun after the last frost; thrives in rich, well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Ready in 52–56 days
Uses: Great for fresh eating, canning, and freezing
Disease Resistance: Tolerant to heat and common bean diseases
Fun Fact: This variety dates back to the 1920s and was bred by Calvin Keeney, known as the “father of the stringless bean.”
Tendergreen beans are a joy to grow and even better to eat. Their smooth, stringless pods are perfect for tossing into a skillet with a little garlic and butter, or blanching and freezing for cozy winter meals. Whether you’re canning a big batch or just picking a handful for dinner, these beans bring a taste of tradition to every bite. Their heat tolerance makes them a reliable choice even in warmer climates, no fuss, just flavor.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Beans need 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Direct sow 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart, about a week after your last frost.
💧 Water Consistently: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
🌾 Thin and Maintain: Once seedlings are 3–4 inches tall, thin if needed. Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down.
✂️ Harvest: Pick pods when they’re pencil-thick and 4–6 inches long. Frequent harvesting keeps the plant producing.
