How to Grow Beans in Australia
Bush, climbing, broad, and snake beans with planting calendars for every region
Beans are one of the most productive crops you can grow. They're fast, reliable, and improve your soil by fixing nitrogen. Whether you have a big backyard or a single pot on a balcony, there's a bean variety that will work for you.
This guide covers the main types of beans grown in Australia, the best varieties, trellis options, and when to plant in your region.
When to Plant in Your Region
Blue Lake
The classic climbing bean. Heavy crops of straight, stringless green pods over a long season. Reliable in all Australian climates. Needs a sturdy trellis or tepee at least 2 metres tall.
Purple King
Climbing bean with stunning purple pods that turn green when cooked. Excellent flavour and very productive. The purple colour makes pods easy to spot at harvest time.
Borlotti
Italian heirloom grown for both fresh and dried beans. Speckled red and cream pods are beautiful on the vine. Bush and climbing types available. Takes longer to mature than green beans.
Broad Windsor
The standard broad bean for Australian gardens. Plant in autumn and winter (unlike other beans). Large, flat pods with creamy beans inside. Does best in cool climates and tolerates light frost.
Snake Bean
Long, thin pods that grow up to 50 cm. Essential for Asian cooking. Thrives in hot, humid conditions. Perfect for tropical and subtropical regions where regular beans struggle in summer heat.
Types of Beans
Bush beans
Compact plants that need no support. They produce a heavy flush of pods over 3 to 4 weeks, then slow down. Good for succession planting every 3 to 4 weeks for a continuous supply.
Climbing beans
Need a trellis, tepee, or fence to climb. They produce over a longer period than bush beans and give a bigger overall harvest from less ground space. Blue Lake and Purple King are the best climbing varieties.
Broad beans
The odd one out. Broad beans are a cool-season crop planted in autumn and winter. They can handle light frosts and actually need cool weather to set pods. Completely different timing from other beans.
Snake beans
Heat-loving beans perfect for tropical and subtropical gardens. They climb vigorously and produce long, thin pods that are best harvested young (under 30 cm) for tender eating.
Trellis Tips
Climbing beans need strong support. They grow 2 to 3 metres tall and the weight of pods can pull down flimsy structures. Here are reliable options:
- Tepee: Push 4 to 6 bamboo poles into the ground in a circle and tie at the top. Plant 2 to 3 seeds at the base of each pole.
- A-frame: Two panels of mesh or netting leaning together. Gives excellent access for picking from both sides.
- Fence trellis: String wire or netting along an existing fence. The simplest option if you have a sunny fence.
Common Problems
Poor germination
Beans rot in cold, wet soil. Wait until soil temperatures are above 16 degrees Celsius before sowing (except broad beans). Sow directly into the garden rather than transplanting, as beans resent root disturbance.
Bean fly
Small flies that lay eggs in stems, causing wilting and plant death. Most damaging to seedlings. Cover young plants with fine mesh until they are well established.
Chocolate spot (broad beans)
Brown spots on leaves and pods. Caused by a fungus in wet, humid conditions. Improve air circulation by spacing plants 20 cm apart and avoid overhead watering.
Track Your Bean Growing
Add beans to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for sowing, trellising, and harvest time.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant beans in Australia?
Bush and climbing beans are warm-season crops. Plant after the last frost when soil is above 16 degrees. In most regions, this means September to January. Broad beans are different: plant them in autumn and winter (March to July). Check the calendar above for your region.
How long do beans take to grow?
Bush beans produce pods in 8 to 10 weeks from sowing. Climbing beans take 10 to 12 weeks but produce for longer. Broad beans take 14 to 18 weeks. Snake beans take 10 to 12 weeks.
Do beans need a trellis?
Climbing beans and snake beans need a trellis, tepee, or other support at least 2 metres tall. Bush beans and most broad beans are self-supporting and need no trellis.
Can I save bean seeds for next year?
Beans are one of the easiest crops to save seeds from. Leave some pods on the plant until they are completely dry and brown. Shell the dried beans and store in a cool, dry place. They stay viable for 3 to 4 years.
See also: Beans in the Plant Library
