VegetableBean
Top Notch Golden Wax Bean
Top Notch Golden Wax Bean is a bush-type snap bean that delivers vibrant yellow pods in just 50-59 days, making it one of the fastest routes to a fresh harvest. This open-pollinated variety thrives across zones 3-11 and grows to a compact 12-24 inches tall, fitting neatly into gardens, containers, or raised beds. The pods emerge tender and stringless, ready for immediate eating straight from the plant or in the kitchen. An AAS winner bred for heat and drought tolerance, it's a reliable performer that keeps producing through challenging growing seasons.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-11
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
TypeUpright
Spacing
4
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-11
Size
24in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Golden pods that snap cleanly off the vine and cook tender without strings set this variety apart for fresh eating. It yields prolifically on compact, upright plants that need minimal space, making it exceptional for container gardeners or those with limited room. The combination of early maturity, disease resistance to Bacterial Blight and Powdery Mildew, and reliable productivity across diverse climates explains its staying power in seed catalogs and home gardens.
Common Uses
These tender yellow pods are at their best eaten fresh, either raw as a crisp snack or lightly steamed or sautéed to preserve their delicate texture. The stringless nature means minimal prep work in the kitchen. Home gardeners prize them for quick-cooking side dishes and fresh salads where their bright color and tender snap add visual appeal and flavor.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep once soil temperature reaches 60°F or warmer and all danger of frost has passed. Plant 4 inches apart in rows spaced 24 inches apart. Beans germinate and grow quickly in warm soil and do not benefit from early indoor starting.
Harvesting
Pick pods when they reach full length but while still tender and snappy, typically 50-59 days after planting. The pods should be bright golden yellow and break cleanly between your fingers without bending. Harvest regularly, every 2-3 days once production begins, to encourage the plant to set more flowers and extend the harvest season. Picking at the snap stage, before seeds inside the pods become large and starchy, ensures the best texture and flavor.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Phaseolus vulgaris
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Phaseolus
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)