Description
Contender bush beans have earned their name by competing for the top spot among snap bean varieties since 1949. This exceptional heirloom produces its first harvest a full week ahead of most other bush beans, maturing in just 49 to 50 days from direct sowing.
The early production makes Contender ideal for gardeners with short growing seasons, while the variety’s heat tolerance ensures success in warmer southern climates as well.
The round-oval, slightly curved pods grow 6 to 8 inches long with smooth, stringless texture and medium-green color.
These tender, flavorful beans are equally delicious fresh from the garden, frozen, or canned with no loss of quality. The meaty pods have a traditional green bean flavor that satisfies both fresh eating and preserving needs.
Each compact bush plant grows 12 to 20 inches tall with upright form that keeps pods off the ground and requires no staking.
Contender’s disease resistance and adaptability set it apart from other varieties. The plants show excellent tolerance to powdery mildew, common bean mosaic virus, and heat stress. This vigor translates to reliable, heavy yields even in challenging conditions.
The compact bush habit makes Contender suitable for containers, raised beds, or traditional garden rows, and the plants produce abundantly in a concentrated period, perfect for preserving harvests all at once.
Contender Bush Beans Details
- Lifespan: Annual
- Seed count: Approx. 30 seeds
- Seed type: Heirloom/Open-Pollinated
- Growth habit: Bush (no staking required)
- Mature size: Height 12-20 inches, Spread 12-18 inches
- Pod size: Length 6-8 inches, Width 0.5 inch
- Pod shape: Round-oval, slightly curved
- Pod color: Medium green
- Sun: Full sun
- Days to germination: 7-10 days
- Days to harvest: 49-50 days
Growing Contender Bush Beans
Direct sow Contender bush bean seeds outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after the last spring frost when soil temperature reaches at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Beans germinate best in warm soil between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plant seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Beans grow best in full sun and well-draining soil enriched with compost.
Ready to grow Contender Bush Beans in your garden?
Add this proven winner to your garden and enjoy the earliest harvest of any bush bean variety. Contender delivers reliable production, excellent flavor, and the disease resistance and heat tolerance that have made it a favorite for over 75 years.
Order your seeds today and discover why Contender continues to compete for the number one spot among snap beans.
Terms of Sale
Hand-packed by weight: You will receive a minimum of 15 grams of seed, approximately 30 seeds, as well as instructions for planting and care.
Shipping Cost is Flat Rate and covers all seed orders from Southern Garden, with no additional charges no matter how many you order. So stock up now!
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