VegetableBean
Slenderette Bean
Slenderette Bean is a heirloom snap bean that delivers exceptional flavor in a compact, bush-type plant. Growing just 18-24 inches tall, this open-pollinated variety produces slender, straight pods with a crisp, stringless texture that snaps cleanly when cooked. Ready to harvest in just 50-59 days, it thrives in zones 3-9 and adapts readily to containers, raised beds, and garden plots. Its disease resistance and high yields make it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a dependable green bean with genuine homegrown taste.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-9
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
3-9
Size
24in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
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Highlights
These slender, straight pods deliver the snap and crispness that modern snap beans promise, but with a flavor depth that speaks to this variety's heirloom roots. The stringless nature means no tedious prep work, and the compact bush habit fits seamlessly into small spaces, raised beds, or containers without requiring trellising. What truly sets Slenderette apart is the combination of its lightning-fast maturity (50-59 days) and robust disease resistance, giving you reliable harvests even in challenging seasons.
Common Uses
Fresh snap beans destined for the dinner table are Slenderette's primary purpose. These pods shine steamed or lightly sautéed, where their crisp texture and clean flavor shine without heavy sauces. They're equally at home in stir-fries, vegetable medleys, or eaten raw as a garden snack. The stringless pods and compact plant size make this variety especially practical for gardeners who want fresh beans for regular meals without overwhelming harvests.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow Slenderette seeds into garden soil after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches 60-70°F. Push seeds approximately 1 inch into warm soil and keep moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7-10 days.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting Slenderette beans when the pods reach 5-6 inches long and feel tender and snap cleanly when bent. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage the plant to produce more flowers and extend your harvest window throughout the season. Early-morning picking, when pods are cool and crisp, yields the best texture. Gentle hand-picking preserves the plant and prevents damage to remaining buds.
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)
History & Origin
“Slenderette Bean carries the mark of a true heirloom variety, open-pollinated and developed to deliver consistent performance across home gardens. As an heirloom cultivar of Phaseolus vulgaris, it represents generations of bean breeding focused on pod quality, yield, and disease resistance. This variety emerged from the broader tradition of American bean cultivation, where home gardeners and seed savers prioritized stringless snap beans with superior flavor and texture. Its preservation through seed-saving networks speaks to its reliability and the loyalty gardeners have shown this variety over decades.”