Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis 'Green Noodle'

RHS Plant Profile
asparagus bean 'Green Noodle'
Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Genus
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