Arranged chopped and whole Taiwan Yard-Long Beans with a ruler on a white background.
Bundled, chopped and whole Taiwan Yard-Long Beans with blooms on a dark brown background.
Taiwan Yard-Long Beans tied in circle with chopped beans and Taiwanese coins on a light blue background.
Taiwan Yard-Long Bean Sri Lankan Curry on green plate with fresh long beans on a white background.
Taiwan Yard-Long Beans growing on a trellis against the deep blue sky in the Baker Creek garden
Arranged chopped and whole Taiwan Yard-Long Beans with a ruler on a white background.
Bundled, chopped and whole Taiwan Yard-Long Beans with blooms on a dark brown background.
Taiwan Yard-Long Beans tied in circle with chopped beans and Taiwanese coins on a light blue background.
Taiwan Yard-Long Bean Sri Lankan Curry on green plate with fresh long beans on a white background.
Taiwan Yard-Long Beans growing on a trellis against the deep blue sky in the Baker Creek garden

Long Bean Seeds,
Taiwan Yard-Long

4.629 ReviewsSKU: #LG103Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Vigna unguiculata) Pole. This is a true "Yard Long" bean that can easily reach over 3 feet in length! Get high yields from a small space; the vines set a heavy crop of delicious pods that will amaze your friends. We love these beans stir fried. They have superior flavor to common beans. The dry beans are black in color and make a superb cooking bean. This rare variety was brought to America by a Taiwanese immigrant around 1970. This versatile Asian bean has garnered the nickname "asparagus bean" for its crisp texture, reminiscent of the favorite seasonal delicacy. Also called noodle beans, the young pods make a perfect spaghetti substitute. This is the longest bean we have seen!

Growing Tips: Taiwan Yard-Long beans, also known as asparagus beans or snake beans, are known for their extraordinary length, sometimes reaching up to 38 inches. These beans thrive in warm climates and are relatively easy to grow with the right care. They tolerate extreme heat and humidity; however, beware temperatures below 60 F.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Vigna unguiculata
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
75–80
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant Taiwan Yard-Long beans after the last frost has passed and when the soil temperature is consistently above 60 F, ideally between 75 and 95 F. Where the season is short, start seed no more than 2 to 3 weeks early in large cells or soil blocks and set the plants out with the root ball undisturbed, as these beans resent transplanting. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, enriched with compost or aged manure. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0–7.0. Soak seeds overnight before planting.

Planting: Sow seeds ½ to 1 inch deep, about 6 inches apart. If using a trellis, space rows about 18 to 24 inches apart. Trellises are essential for supporting the vigorous vines.

Watering: Keep the soil moderately moist until germination, then maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Grow

Full sun is crucial, with 8 to 12 hours of direct sunlight daily. Provide a sturdy trellis or poles for the vines to climb, which helps maximize air circulation and sun exposure. You can use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to more foliage and fewer pods. Switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus as the plants begin to flower.

How to Save Seeds

  • This self-pollinating annual in the legume family will not readily cross with other nearby varieties, so a distance of 10-20 feet between other cowpea or long bean varieties is sufficient to ensure pure seed.
  • It is super easy to save seed; just allow pods to dry and wait for seeds to become dry and hard.
  • You should not be able to dent the seed with your thumbnail.
  • Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.

FAQ

Can I grow Taiwan Yard-Long beans in containers?

While it is possible, it is not ideal due to their vigorous growth and need for substantial support. If using containers, ensure they are large and deep enough, and provide a sturdy trellis.

What pests should I watch out for?

Common pests include aphids and spider mites. Regular monitoring and the use of natural predators like ladybugs can help manage these pests. Organic treatments such as neem oil or insecticidal soap are also effective.

How do I know when to harvest Taiwan Yard-Long beans?

Judge by pod thickness, not by a set length: harvest while the pods are still slender and pliable, about the thickness of a pencil. This is a true yard-long type whose pods stay tender well past 18 inches and can easily reach over 3 feet, so do not stop picking at a foot and a half. Pick before the seeds swell inside and the pods turn tough and stringy. Frequent harvesting encourages more production.

How can I store Taiwan Yard-Long beans after harvesting?

Store fresh beans in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, blanch and freeze the beans to preserve their color and flavor.

Browse our full range of long bean seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 29 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Beyond prolific: Daily harvests from a few vines, with plenty to freeze or give away.

  • Loves heat and humidity: Keeps producing through southern summer heat and humidity.

  • Tender in stir-fries: Snappy, stringless pods; best pan-fried or stir-fried, not boiled.

  • Slow start, then fast: Sluggish in cool weather, then climbs fast once it warms.

  • Heads up: Ants and aphids love the vines; give a tall trellis, pick young.

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