VegetableBean
Akasanjaku Yard Long Bean
Akasanjaku is a treasured Asian heirloom yard long bean that produces remarkably long, slender pods in just 70 to 79 days. This vigorous vining annual thrives in heat and grows across hardiness zones 3 through 12, making it accessible to gardeners in nearly every region. The light green, round, string-less pods are naturally sweet and tender, grown on a spirited plant that's as easy to cultivate as it is rewarding to harvest.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-12
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Growth Stats
108 in
Height
TypeVining
Spacing
4
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-12
Size
108in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Light green, string-less pods with a naturally sweet flavor distinguish this heirloom from more common snap beans. The plant's fierce heat tolerance means it actually performs better as temperatures climb, while its open-pollinated genetics allow you to save seeds year after year. Compact spacing requirements (just 4 inches between plants) and a relatively short growing window make it surprisingly efficient for gardens where space matters.
Common Uses
Akasanjaku pods are harvested young and tender for snap consumption, ideal for stir-frying, steaming, or boiling whole. The naturally sweet flavor and string-less character make them excellent raw in salads or as a crunchy side dish. In traditional Asian cooking, these beans are often cut into sections and cooked quickly to preserve their tender texture and subtle sweetness.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, though 70 degrees or warmer is ideal for this heat-loving variety.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed thoroughly. Space seeds 4 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart, pressing them 1 inch into warm soil.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting pods 70 to 79 days after planting, when they reach full length but while still young and tender. Look for light green, firm pods that snap cleanly when bent; harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Pick pods by hand, grasping the stem just above the pod and gently pulling downward to avoid damaging the vine.
Pruning
No formal pruning is necessary for this vining pole bean, as it naturally climbs and develops according to the support structure provided. Train vines onto a sturdy trellis or fence, gently guiding them upward as they grow.
Growing Calendar
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Vigna
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)
History & Origin
“Akasanjaku carries the legacy of traditional Asian bean cultivation, where yard long beans have been grown for centuries. This open-pollinated, heirloom variety represents the living heritage of seed-saving cultures that valued beans specifically bred for heat tolerance, tender pods, and superior flavor. By growing Akasanjaku today, you're participating in a centuries-old agricultural tradition that prioritizes taste and adaptation to warm climates over commercial yield.”