Topcrop Bush Bean Seeds For Planting (Phaseolus vulgaris)
basic information
This Topcrop Bean is extremely popular and one of the best known varietals, perfect for your garden-to-table needs! Phaseolus vulgaris are also perhaps one of the easier plants to start with if you are new to growing and we're going to let you in on some ways to tell when these gorgeous Green Beans are ripe for your picking pleasure!
Why Topcrop?
With origins dating back to the 50s, this award-winning strand boasts beautiful hues of green in its crisp pods. Its ease of growth an adaptability to soil conditions make it one of the more commonly grown types of beans. It also has a handy resistance to Mosaic Viruses that plague certain bean crops, meaning in regards to your plant, you have at least one less threat to concern yourself with!
Perfect Size!
These heirloom seeds produce a hearty knee-high bush, generally between 15" -18" in height. While some bean varietals require support for growth and stability, this style of plant doesn't often reach heights above 2 feet, so staking them isn't as necessary as it sometimes is with others. Part of what leant to these beans winning the Topcrop moniker is the heavy concentration of the sprouts. Their pods measure roughly 5" or 6" long, with the diameter equivalent to that of a pencil. Another fabulous feature of this bean strand is they present without strings or fibers, adding to the overall crispness of the pod.
Sowing The Seed
Beans are not fond of being transplanted and are best established directly outdoors, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. If they are started indoors, the use of peat pots may be beneficial to prevent root shock when transplanting. Work through your sowing area to remove all unwanted plant life and weeds. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1” under topsoil.
Growing Conditions
Beans will require an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day. The plants will thrive in temperatures of at least 65F and require a soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. You must also make sure that your sowing medium is well drained as well. Adding a light compost to any areas containing hard, compact soil will improve your overall drainage. Water the seeds daily until germination occurs.
Germination & Growth
Topcrop Beans typically germinate within a good 7 to 21 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of roughly 18 to 24 inches tall and can spread about 12 to 24 inches wide. They can be spaced roughly 12 to 18 inches apart from one another, in rows that are spaced 24 inches apart. Topcrop will produce excellent yields of thick, 5 to 6 inch pods that can be harvested in 55 to 60 days.
Harvesting Topcrop Beans
These beans will be ready to harvest in just under two months, between 50 and 60 days. Often eaten right from the vine, these beans have delectable sweet flavoring and retain freshness for up to a week after picking! They have also been noted one of the best beans for freezing, making these an excellent choice when stocking up your veggie supplies!
If you're saving one of your plants as your host for additional seeding, you'll want to wait to pick these until near the end of your harvests, when her pods have begun to dry a little and shells have turned a gentle brown.
How To Grow
