Thai Soldier Long Beans with foliage and blooms arranged on a white background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with cut and dried beans on a wooden background.
Whole and cut Thai Soldier Long Beans with blooms ad loose beans on wooden cutting board.
Sliced and whole Thai Soldier Long Beans with flowers on white background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with piles of shelled beans and blooms arranged artistically on a wooden background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with foliage and blooms arranged on a white background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with cut and dried beans on a wooden background.
Whole and cut Thai Soldier Long Beans with blooms ad loose beans on wooden cutting board.
Sliced and whole Thai Soldier Long Beans with flowers on white background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with piles of shelled beans and blooms arranged artistically on a wooden background.

Long Bean Seeds,
Thai Soldier

4.133 ReviewsSKU: #LG122Min. seed count: 25
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Description

(Vigna unguiculata) Vigorous semi-bush habit for those who want to grow long beans but prefer not to trellis. Foot-long pods are firm and very flavorful. Pods are strikingly different in appearance, having tiger stripes in dark red-brown. A superior variety from Thailand, where long beans are a staple crop. Unusual and very choice!

Growing Tips: Thai Soldier long beans are a high-yielding and heat-tolerant variety; however, beware temperatures below 60 F. These beans are vigorous growers and can produce abundant crops, making them a great addition to your garden.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Vigna unguiculata
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
70
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant Thai Soldier long beans after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 60-70 F. They can be planted in spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. In warmer climates, they can be grown almost year-round​. 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 and 7.0. Soak seeds overnight before planting.

Planting: Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep, about 6 inches apart. If using a trellis, space rows about 18-24 inches apart. Sprouts form in 5-8 days.

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 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily. Even though it has a bush habit, you can 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 Thai Soldier long beans in containers?

Yes. The semi-bush habit means Thai Soldier does not need a trellis, which makes it one of the better long beans for a large, deep container. Give it a roomy pot and steady moisture.

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 Thai Soldier long beans?

Harvest the beans when they are about the thickness of a pencil and 12-18 inches long. Overripe pods will become tough and stringy. Frequent harvesting encourages more production.

How can I store Thai Soldier 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.

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