VegetableBean
Purple Queen Bean
Bush Bean
Purple Queen Bean captivates gardeners with its stunning deep purple pods that magically transform to green when cooked, creating kitchen theater that delights children and adults alike. This vigorous heirloom snap bean matures in just 50-59 days across zones 3-9, producing sweet, tender pods with a flavor reminiscent of classic French beans but with a subtle sweetness that sets it apart. Growing 12-24 inches tall in compact bush form, it thrives in various climates including hotter, drier conditions where other beans might struggle.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/bean-seeds-purple-queen-bush)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Preferred Temp70-85°F
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-9
Size
24in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
The most enchanting feature of Purple Queen is its color-changing magic - those gorgeous deep purple pods turn bright green the moment they hit boiling water, making every meal an exciting reveal. Beyond its visual drama, this variety delivers exceptional flavor with a mild sweetness and crisp texture that appeals to diverse palates. The compact bush habit means no staking required, while its remarkable tolerance for heat and drought makes it reliable even in challenging growing conditions. Ready to harvest at 5-6 inches long, these snap beans provide weeks of continuous production when picked regularly.
Common Uses
Purple Queen excels as a fresh snap bean, harvested and eaten while pods are tender and beans inside remain immature. The dramatic color transformation from purple to green makes it particularly popular for cooking demonstrations with children and adds visual excitement to stir-fries, steaming, and blanching preparations. Its sweet flavor and crisp texture work beautifully in both simple preparations that showcase the color change and more complex dishes where the mild taste won't overpower other ingredients.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Late Summer
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Sow Purple Queen seeds directly into garden soil once danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Work balanced fertilizer or compost into planting area before sowing.
Harvesting
Purple Queen beans are ready to harvest 50-59 days after planting when pods reach 5-6 inches long, feel firm, and display their characteristic deep purple color. Timing is crucial - harvest while pods are still tender to avoid toughness. Gently pinch pods from the plant with your fingers or use scissors to snip them away, being careful not to damage the plant since it will continue producing over several weeks.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Scientific Classification
Phaseolus L.
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Phaseolus