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Annual Biennial

Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis 'Green Noodle'

asparagus bean 'Green Noodle'

Also known as 'Yard-Long' or 'Snake' beans, this vigorous variety of cowpea with green foliage and yellow, purple or blue sweet pea-like flowers produces long, thin, dark green pods up to 8cm long which germinate and grow quickly. Beans are sweet and tender, suited to growing up a trellis where they will provide a high yield of beans in a small space. A fun and easy choice for children to grow

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Purple Blue Green Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Start from seed in a heated greenhouse or on a warm windowsill. Plant outside once all risk of frost has passed in a warm, sunny, sheltered site; incorporate well-rotted manure into soil before planting and keep the soil moist when plants are flowering to ensure good fruit set. See runner-bean cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, pea and bean weevil and slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

Get involved

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