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Mount Washington Arboretum · Baltimore, MD

Bean

Giant Greek

Phaseolus vulgaris

Annual

Care at a glance

☀️ LightFull sun (6–8 hrs)
💧 WaterRegular; 1–1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
📅 Days to maturity65
🌀 LifecycleAnnual

About this plant

Giant Greek is a pole bean cultivar prized for its exceptionally large, flat pods that reach 8–10 inches long and deliver tender, flavourful beans ideal for fresh eating or light cooking. Gardeners grow it for its vigorous vining habit, heavy yield, and superior taste compared to common snap beans. It's a reliable choice for trellises and vertical gardens seeking both ornamental appeal and culinary reward.

Germination

Germinates best in warm soil of 70–80°F, typically sprouting in 7–10 days. Beans prefer direct soil contact and do not require light or darkness for germination. Soak seeds in warm water for 2–4 hours before sowing to speed emergence, especially if soil is cool or dry.

How to plant

Direct sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches 60°F or above; in zone 7 Maryland, this is typically mid-May. Plant seeds 1–1.5 inches deep, spacing them 4–6 inches apart along a sturdy trellis or pole support. Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart once they have true leaves. Do not start indoors; beans dislike transplanting and establish better when direct-sown.

Growing tips

Provide a sturdy support system such as a trellis, pole, or teepee, as this vigorous cultivar will climb 6–8 feet or higher. Water consistently at the base to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal disease. Fertilize lightly at planting and again mid-season with a balanced fertilizer; excess nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of pods. Watch for spider mites and bean beetles; pick beetles by hand or use organic pest controls. Powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions; ensure good air circulation.

Harvesting

Begin harvesting when pods reach 6–8 inches long and snap cleanly when bent, typically 3–4 weeks after flowering. Pick pods regularly to encourage continuous production throughout the season. Harvest in the morning when moisture is highest for best tenderness and flavour. Store fresh pods in the refrigerator in a perforated bag for up to a week. For dried beans, allow pods to mature fully on the plant, then dry indoors before shelling and storing in an airtight container.

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