VegetableBean
Bai Bu Lao Yellow Bean
Bai Bu Lao Yellow Bean is an heirloom pole bean from Asia that delivers exceptional yields in just 50 to 60 days. This open-pollinated cultivar produces remarkably long, meaty pods that start out flat and light green before maturing to a distinctive round, creamy white. The pods stretch 10 to 12 inches long and grow on vigorous vines reaching 60 to 96 inches tall, making them well suited to trellising. Hardy in zones 3 through 9, this variety thrives in full sun and handles drought with surprising resilience, whether grown in gardens, containers, or raised beds.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Growth Stats
96 in
Height
TypeVining
Spacing
36
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-9
Size
96in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
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Highlights
The pods of Bai Bu Lao Yellow Bean transform as they mature, shifting from early green to a pale, round form that looks almost sculptural when ready to harvest. Reaching full maturity in just 55 to 60 days, this early cultivar produces abundantly on vining plants that climb steadily through the season. The flat, meaty texture of these pods makes them satisfying to cook with, and their ability to thrive in containers alongside traditional garden beds gives gardeners real flexibility in how they grow them. Strong resistance to Bacterial Blight and Powdery Mildew means you spend less time managing disease and more time harvesting.
Common Uses
Bai Bu Lao Yellow Beans are harvested young as snap beans, eaten whole when the pods are tender and crisp. The meaty texture of these pole beans makes them substantial enough to stand alone as a side dish, though they also work well in stir-fries, steamed preparations, and other Asian-inspired cooking where their distinct form and satisfying bite add character to the plate.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds into warm soil after the last frost date, spacing seeds appropriately for the 36-inch plant spacing. Plant into well-prepared garden soil, containers, or raised beds.
Harvesting
Harvest pods when they're young and tender, typically 50 to 59 days after planting. Pick pods while they're still predominantly green or at the early stage of color transition, before they fully mature to white. The pods should snap cleanly between your fingers when ready; wait much longer and they become tough and fibrous. Regular harvesting encourages continued flowering and heavier yields throughout the season.
Pruning
Pole beans benefit from training onto their support structure as they grow, but no pruning is necessary. Direct the climbing vines onto trellises, stakes, or other supports early in the season so they establish the growth pattern you want.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Phaseolus vulgaris
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Phaseolus
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)