Beans in a hydroponic system

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are annual legumes grown for their edible pods and seeds. In hydroponics, they produce tender pods quickly under controlled nutrient and light conditions [1][2].

Common & Alternative Names

• Bean
• Common bean
• String bean
• Snap bean
• Phaseolus vulgaris (Latin)

Popular Varieties

• Blue Lake Bush (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake Bush')
• Provider (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider')
• Kentucky Wonder Pole (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder')
• Romano Runner (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Romano Runner')

Positive Identification

• Trifoliate leaves with ovate to lanceolate leaflets [1]
• Slender, cylindrical pods 10-20 cm long, green when young
• White to purple pea‐like flowers in leaf axils
• Soft hairs on stems (especially pole varieties)

Toxic Look-Alikes

• Castor bean (Ricinus communis) seedlings - large palmate leaves, toxic seeds [6]
• Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) - alternate, lobed leaves, spiny seed pods
• Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) - small round berries, not pods

Plant Parts & Uses

Nutritional Information (per 100 g raw green beans)

Optimal Growing Parameters

Propagation Methods

• Cuttings: Although uncommon, pole beans can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take a 10 cm tip cutting with a node, strip lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and suspend in water or rockwool until roots form (7-10 days) [5].
• Seeds: Allow pods to mature and dry on the vine (approx. 60-90 days after flowering). Harvest when pods turn tan and rattle. Shell seeds, dry 1-2 weeks in shade, then sow 2 cm deep; germination in 5-10 days [4].

System Compatibility

Stages of Bean Growth

Propagation begins when seeds are harvested from mature pods and dried; once sown, plants progress through distinct stages until pod harvest:

• Seed Drying & Storage (7–14 days): Harvested seeds are air-dried until moisture content is low enough for storage and planting [12].
• Germination (5–10 days): Seeds kept moist at 20–25 °C sprout, with the radicle emerging first.
• Vegetative Growth (20–30 days): True leaves develop and roots establish; pole varieties form tendrils to climb.
• Flowering (7–10 days): White to purple flowers appear in leaf axils; pollination initiates pod set.
• Pod Development (14–21 days): Pods elongate and fill; harvest when firm and about 10–15 cm long.
• Harvest (approximately 45–60 days after sowing): Pods are picked regularly; a single seed can yield approximately 450 g (1 lb) of fresh beans over the season [13].

Common Pests

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Spider mites
• Bean leaf beetle (Ootheca mutabilis) [8]
• Bean pod borer (Maruca vitrata) [9]
• Bean weevils (Callosobruchus spp.) [10][11]

Citations

1. [1] Phaseolus vulgaris - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaseolus_vulgaris
2. [2] Electrical Conductivity and pH Guide for Hydroponics - https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/electrical-conductivity-and-ph-guide-for-hydroponics.html
3. [3] Best pH and EC Values for Your Hydroponic Nutrient Solution (beans) - https://www.her86m2.com/green-living/best-ph-and-ec-values-for-your-hydroponic-nutrient-solution
4. [4] Growing Hydroponic Beans - IGWorks - https://igworks.com/blogs/growing-guides/growing-hydroponic-beans
5. [5] Plant propagation - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_propagation
6. [6] Ricinus communis - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricinus_communis
7. [7] 7 Common Bean Pests to Look For This Season - Epic Gardening - https://www.epicgardening.com/bean-pests/
8. [8] Bean leaf beetle - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bean_leaf_beetle
9. [9] Maruca vitrata - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maruca_vitrata
10. [10] Callosobruchus - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callosobruchus
11. [11] Acanthoscelides obtectus - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthoscelides_obtectus
12. [12] Average yield for bush beans per plant (Houzz discussion) - https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1411659/average-yeild-for-bush-beans
13. [13] Green Beans Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits - https://www.verywellfit.com/green-beans-nutrition-facts-calories-carbs-and-health-benefits-4169523