Have you ever read or been told that green beans will produce all summer? This is advice that must be met with a kind smile. Bless their hearts, it’s totally untrue. Obviously cannot be blamed for this mistake, they are just not from around here. Anyone who gardens in North Texas knows green beans will not make it in summer’s heat.
Does that mean no more fresh beans? No, not if you plant Chinese long beans. This delicious vegetable goes by many names: snake bean, yard long bean even asparagus bean. A red variety called red noodle is also available. Properly they are called Vigna Unguiculata. As its “real name” makes clear, they are actually related to cowpeas or blackeyed peas and not ordinary garden green beans. The important point is they grow in the heat of summer, in fact they require heat to do well. Which wouldn’t matter if they didn’t taste good, but they do with flavor much like green beans and a touch of blacked pea.
Are you convinced? Plant the seeds as directed on the package. It is essential to provide a sturdy support as these are vines not bushes. Large tomato cages work well. The vines would probably like something ten feet tall to grown on but vines don’t always get what they want. Compromise is key between you and the vines. Give the vines plenty of room so they can grow up and over supports but keep them within bounds so you can pick the beans. Remember the vines will try to grab any innocent plant that gets in their way; be alert.
Trellised Vines of the Chinese Long Bean
Garden soil with compost is ideal. Apply organic fertilizer when planting. As with any rapidly growing plant, regular watering is essential.
Once the production starts, check the vines every day. The beans grow amazingly fast and will need regular picking, pick them about twelve inches long while they are still firm and dark green.
Chinese Long Beans, Ready to Eat!
When they are picked like this they are even good raw in salad. They are delicious prepared in many ways: simmered as green beans would be or fried as they are in many traditional Chinese recipes.
Try them and you will see for yourself!!
Susan Thornbury
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 