How to grow snake beans in a raised bed

Snake beans (yard-long beans) are the heat-loving Asian cousin of the green bean, producing extraordinary metre-long pods on vigorous climbing vines. They thrive in summer when ordinary beans struggle.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, loves heat
• Spacing: 15–20 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 10–12 weeks
• Support: a tall, sturdy trellis

When should I plant snake beans?

Snake beans are frost-tender and love the heat — sow directly from late spring through summer. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): October to February
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): November to January
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): Not really suited to this zone
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): September to March
• Arid inland: October to November

How do I grow snake beans in a raised bed?

Sow seed at the base of a tall trellis — the vigorous vines climb high. They love warmth and humidity, cropping through the hottest months.

How often should I water and feed snake beans?

Keep the mix evenly moist through flowering and podding; they're thirstier than most beans in the heat.

What pests attack snake beans?

Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars and two-spotted mite. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect snake beans?

The main ones are rust and mosaic virus. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with snake beans?

Corn and cucumbers are good companions; keep beans away from onions. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest snake beans?

Pick the long pods young, while still slim and tender, before the seeds swell. Regular picking keeps the vine cropping for weeks.

More growing guides: beans, climbing beans and edamame.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us, via Wikimedia Commons.