Purple French Bean

Purple French beans are delicious in taste and very easy to grow in pots or grow bags both indoors and outdoors year-round. The purple beans are the same as green beans but they are a bit sweeter than the green ones. 

What size grow bag is best for French Beans?
15 x 15 (W*H)
18 x 18 (W*H)
24 x 24 (W*H)

French Beans Purple Growing Season In India
French Beans are grown throughout the year in three seasons Kharif – June/July, Rabi – October/November and Summer – February/March.

Benefits of Purple French Beans

* Nutrient-Rich : Good source of fiber, Vitamins A, C and K, folate and iron.
* Antioxidants : The purple color indicates anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
* Digestive Health : High fiber supports digestion and gut health.
* Low-Calorie : Excellent for weight management and heart-healthy diets.
* Visually Appealing : Attractive color makes dishes more vibrant (note: turns green when cooked).

Sowing Method

* Seed Depth : Sow seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep.
* Spacing : 4–6 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.
* Sowing Time :
In warm regions : Early spring through summer
In cooler climates : After the last frost
* Germination Time : 5–10 days
* Germination Temperature : 18–24°C (65–75°F)

Planting

* Sunlight : Full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily)
* Soil : Well-drained loamy soil enriched with compost or aged manure
* Watering : Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; water at the base to avoid fungal issues
* Support : If a pole variety, use stakes or trellis; bush types don’t need support
* Fertilizer : Beans fix their own nitrogen; use a low-nitrogen fertilizer only if needed

Harvesting

* Harvest Time : 50–60 days after sowing
* When to Harvest : When pods are tender, about 4–6 inches long, and before seeds bulge
* How to Harvest : Gently snap or cut pods; harvesting frequently encourages more production
* Note : Pods will turn green when cooked, so harvest based on tenderness, not color

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem : Powdery mildew
Cause : Fungal infection from poor air circulation
Solution : Ensure spacing, avoid overhead watering, apply neem oil 

Problem : Rust or leaf spots
Cause : Fungal disease
Solution : Remove affected leaves, apply organic fungicide

Problem : Aphids / Spider mites
Cause : Sap-sucking insects 
Solution :  Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap

Problem : Poor pod formation
Cause : Overfertilization (too much nitrogen) or heat stress
Solution : Use low-nitrogen fertilizer and ensure consistent watering

Problem : Seeds not germinating
Cause : Cold or overly wet soil
Solution : Sow after soil has warmed; avoid waterlogged conditions

Problem : Wilting plants
Cause : Root rot or underwatering 
Solution : Improve drainage and maintain consistent watering