Colorado’s diverse climate and elevation present unique challenges and opportunities for gardeners, especially when it comes to growing beans. Beans are a popular crop because they are nutritious, versatile, and relatively easy to grow. However, to succeed in Colorado’s relatively short and sometimes unpredictable growing season, selecting the right types of beans is essential. This article explores the best bean varieties that thrive in Colorado’s environment, providing tips on planting, care, and harvesting to help you get the most out of your bean garden.
Before diving into specific bean types, it’s important to understand the growing season characteristics in Colorado:
Given these factors, beans grown in Colorado should be fast-maturing, cold-tolerant at the seedling stage, and adaptable to soil conditions.
Beans are an excellent choice for Colorado gardeners because:
With proper selection and care, you can enjoy a bountiful bean harvest even in Colorado’s challenging conditions.
Bush beans are compact plants that produce their crop all at once. They generally mature faster than pole beans and are easier to manage.
a. Provider
Provider is a classic bush bean variety known for its cold tolerance and early maturity (around 50 days). This makes it ideal for the short growing season in Colorado. It produces stringless green beans that are tender and flavorful.
b. Contender
Contender is another cold-tolerant bush bean that thrives at higher elevations. It matures in about 50 days and is resistant to common diseases such as bean mosaic virus. Contender is perfect for shorter seasons and cooler soil.
c. Blue Lake Bush
Blue Lake is a favorite among gardeners due to its prolific production and excellent flavor. While slightly longer to mature (about 55 days), it performs well in moderate climates typical of lower-elevation areas of Colorado.
Pole beans climb trellises or poles and produce over a longer period. They typically require a longer growing season but some varieties have been adapted for cooler climates or shorter seasons.
a. Kentucky Wonder
Kentucky Wonder is a classic heirloom pole bean variety with rich flavor and good yield. While it prefers longer seasons (around 60 days), starting seeds indoors can help it succeed even in Colorado’s cooler areas.
b. Rattlesnake Pole Bean
This variety is known for its heat tolerance and disease resistance. Rattlesnake beans have attractive purple streaks on their pods and mature in about 60 days. They do well in warmer parts of Colorado where the growing season is slightly longer.
c. Scarlet Runner Bean
Not only prized for its edible pods but also for its beautiful red flowers that attract pollinators. Scarlet Runner matures in around 60 days but can tolerate cooler temperatures well if started early indoors.
Dry beans are grown primarily for their mature seeds rather than fresh pods. These beans are often more drought-tolerant once established and can be an excellent choice for Colorado gardeners who want heirloom varieties or seeds for storage.
a. Pinto Bean
Pintos are one of the most popular dry beans grown commercially and at home. They adapt well to various soil types and mature within approximately 90 days, making them suitable for many parts of Colorado if planted early.
b. Black Turtle Soup Bean
This black bean variety is both flavorful and nutrient-dense. It has moderate drought resistance and requires about 90 days to mature, so plan accordingly based on your frost dates.
c. Anasazi Bean
Anasazi beans have cultural significance with Native American heritage and perform well at higher elevations due to their adaptability to cooler climates. They mature within about 95 days.
For gardeners interested in more unique flavors or appearances, several heirloom varieties thrive under Colorado conditions with proper care.
Colorado’s regions vary greatly; here are some rough guidelines:
| Region | Last Frost Date | Maturity Days | Suggested Planting Time |
|——————-|—————–|—————|——————————–|
| Front Range (Denver area) | Early May | 50-60 | Mid-May (after frost) |
| Mountain Areas | Late May – Early June | 50+ | Early June |
| Western Slope | Mid-April | 50+ | Late April – Early May |
Starting seeds indoors around late March to early April will help extend your growing window effectively.
Growing beans successfully in Colorado requires selecting varieties suited to the local climate and soil conditions along with attentive garden management practices. Bush beans like Provider and Contender offer reliable performance for short seasons, while pole beans such as Kentucky Wonder can thrive with early starts indoors. Dry beans like Pinto and Anasazi provide options for seed saving or drought tolerance.
By understanding your specific regional conditions within the state — from elevation to frost dates — you can tailor your bean selections and planting schedules accordingly. With these tips and recommended varieties, you will enjoy a rewarding harvest of fresh, nutritious beans throughout Colorado’s summer growing season.
Happy gardening!