Snap Bean
Stringless Green Pod is a dependable bush bean that delivers crisp, tender pods in just 50 to 59 days, thriving in zones 3 through 9. This heirloom variety, formerly known as Burpee Stringless, produces slightly curved pods measuring 5 to 6 inches long that are completely free of strings, making them a joy to prepare. Compact plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and perform reliably even when conditions aren't ideal, earning its reputation as a producer you can count on year after year.
6-8 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart
Full Sun
Moderate
3-9
24in H x ?in W
Annual
High
Hover over chart points for details
The defining feature here is the complete absence of strings, which transforms pod preparation from tedious to effortless. Pods arrive at a sweet spot of crispness and tenderness within 50 to 59 days, making this variety especially rewarding for gardeners who want quick, hassle-free harvests. The compact bush habit means you can tuck these beans into containers, raised beds, or tight garden spaces without needing supports, while the plants' proven resilience under stress sets them apart from more finicky varieties.
Stringless Green Pod beans shine as fresh snap beans, eaten whole when young and tender. The lack of strings means you can simply trim the ends and cook them immediately, whether steamed, sautéed, or added to soups and stir-fries. They're equally at home on the dinner table fresh or preserved through freezing and canning, making them a practical choice for households that want to extend the harvest season.
Direct sow seeds into warm soil after the last frost date for your zone (3 through 9). Plant seeds at the appropriate depth and space them 4 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart. Beans germinate quickly in warm soil and don't transplant well, so direct seeding is preferred.
Pick pods when they reach 5 to 6 inches long and feel crisp and snappy to the touch, typically at 50 to 59 days from planting. Harvest regularly and while pods are still young and tender, before they begin to fatten with mature seeds inside. Stringless varieties are ready to eat whole at this stage, with no work needed to remove fibers. Pinch or cut pods from the plant rather than yanking, which can damage the fragile stems.
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“This variety carries the Burpee name through its heritage, representing decades of selection for the home gardener's convenience. The removal of strings, once a standard feature of pod beans, was a major breeding achievement that freed gardeners from the tedious work of stringing beans before cooking. Open-pollinated and heirloom in character, Stringless Green Pod has been preserved and passed along because it delivers reliable performance without complicated demands.”