Yu Long Yard Long Bean

Yu Long Yard Long Bean is a stunning variety celebrated for its vibrant deep-green, elegant, slender pods that can reach up to 30 inches long. This traditional yard long bean variety is popular among chefs and gourmands, not only for its flavor, but for its exceptional length, small seeds, and fantastic crunch. Yu Long yard beans are perfect for stir-fries, sauteing, steaming, or adding a touch of gourmet flair to soups and curries. Its climbing nature makes it an excellent space-saver for small gardens, as it can be trained on trellises or fences to create a stunning vertical display. Known for its resilience, Yu Long Yard Long Bean is naturally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance yet rewarding crop. Yard long bean is packed with nutrients, including fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Whether an experienced gardener or a beginner, this exceptional variety will bring beauty and bountiful harvests to your outdoor space and delicious meals to your table. Tan-light brown seeds.

Also Known As: Long Bean, Asparagus Bean, Snake Bean, Chinese Long Bean, Chinese Bean, Dau Gok, Dow Gauk, Dou Jiao, Tua Fak Yao, Cai Dou, Chang Dou, Jiang Dou, Chang Jiang Dou, Juroku-sasage, Juro-kusasagemae, Sitaw, Dau-dau.

Plant Name:	Yard Long Bean, Yu Long
Latin Name:	Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis
Days to Germinate:	6-10
Days to Harvest:	60-90
Plant Height:	9 - 12 Feet
Spread:	6 - 12 Inches
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	3-12
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grows best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Prepare 6-8 foot stakes, trellises, or fences to train yard long bean vines to climb as they establish.

Planting:

Yard long beans grow best in temperatures between 65F-85F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant yard long beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 10-12 weeks before the first frost. If choosing to stake, plant yard long beans in hills about 3 feet apart in the row, placing a 6-8-foot stake in the center of each hill. Plant 3-4 seeds around the stake about 1 inch deep in the soil and tie plants to stakes as vines grow. If choosing to trellis or fence, plant 1 seed every 3-4 inches at the base of a 6-8-foot-tall trellis or fence. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	3-4 inches, trellis
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Yard long beans are ready to harvest when they reach 12-18 inches in length but are still firm, tender, and slightly flexible, about 60-90 days after planting. If left too long, the pods become tough and fibrous, reducing their quality. To harvest, use pruning shears or scissors to cut the pods from the vine, or gently snap them off by hand while being careful not to damage the plant. Frequent harvesting - every 2-3 days - encourages the plant to produce more beans throughout the growing season.