VegetableBean
Yu Long Noodle Kin Yard Long Bean
Yu Long Noodle Kin is an exceptional Asian yard-long bean that breaks the mold with pods stretching up to 30 inches, making it one of the longest varieties available. This open-pollinated heirloom thrives in zones 3-11 and matures quickly in 60-69 days, bringing early harvests compared to other yard-long types. The vigorous, vining plants are highly productive and heat-tolerant, producing an abundance of tender snap beans perfect for stir-fries and fresh eating. Its combination of extreme length, early maturity, and reliable yields has made it a favorite among Asian gardeners and specialty vegetable growers alike.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-11
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
3-11
Size
108in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
The standout feature here is sheer productivity from compact space. Yu Long produces dramatically long pods on a single vigorous vine, and it matures weeks earlier than typical yard-long beans, so you're harvesting tender, delicious beans sooner. The plants are compact enough for containers or raised beds yet prolific enough to feed a family, all while thriving in hot summers when many other beans falter.
Common Uses
Yu Long excels in stir-fries, the application it was bred for in Asian kitchens. The tender, young pods are best harvested at 8-12 inches long and prepared quickly with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, or combined with other vegetables. They can also be steamed, blanched for salads, or added to curries and soups. The snap-bean texture means they're excellent fresh and cook quickly, making them ideal for weeknight meals where speed matters.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Transplant Outdoors
Since this is a warm-season annual, transplant only after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature has reached at least 65°F. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before moving them to permanent locations. Space plants 4 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds into warm soil once temperatures consistently reach 65-85°F and all frost danger has passed. Plant seeds and thin seedlings to 4 inches apart in rows spaced 24 inches apart.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting Yu Long pods when they reach 8-12 inches long, typically 60-69 days after planting. At this stage, the pods are most tender and snap cleanly, with minimal fiber development. Harvest frequently, every 2-3 days, to encourage continued flowering and pod set; leaving mature pods on the vine signals the plant to stop producing. Snap pods from the vine by hand, applying gentle pressure at the stem attachment point. Pods left too long become tough and fibrous, so err on the side of early harvesting for the best eating quality.
Pruning
As a vining pole bean, Yu Long benefits from gentle training onto vertical supports rather than aggressive pruning. Guide growing tips up the trellis or support structure in the first few weeks of growth. Remove only damaged or diseased foliage; avoid heavy pruning that would reduce flowering and pod production. Once established, the plant's natural vigor will carry it upward with minimal intervention.
Growing Calendar
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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
“Yu Long Noodle Kin represents a direct lineage from Asian vegetable breeding programs focused on maximizing pod length and productivity in yard-long bean cultivation. This open-pollinated variety carries the genetic heritage of traditional Asian yard-long beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis), which have been selected for thousands of years across East and Southeast Asian gardens. The 'Yu Long' name reflects its Chinese origins, where such varieties have been staple vegetables in home gardens and market agriculture. Its preservation and distribution through seed catalogs has ensured that home gardeners today can access the same vigorous, long-podded plants that Asian farmers have cultivated for generations.”