Quick facts
| Arabic name | الفاصوليا الخضراء |
|---|---|
| English name | Green Beans |
| Scientific name | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Family | Pea family (Fabaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual bush or climbing legume |
| Height | 50 cm (bush) to 2.5 m (climbing) |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to March, and September to October
Harvest time
April to May, and November to December
After 50 to 60 daysJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Three-part leaves, small white or purple flowers and long thin green pods.
Where it grows
Grown in farms and gardens in spring and autumn.
Soil
Light, well-drained soil. It does not handle salt.
Water and irrigation
Regular watering, especially at flowering.
Climate and light
Likes mild warm weather. It does not handle frost or strong heat.
Propagation
By seed sown directly.
Benefits and uses
- Rich in fiber and vitamins
- Adds nitrogen to the soil
- Quick to crop (50-60 days)
- Good for home gardens
Drawbacks
- Sensitive to salt
- Aphids and spider mites attack it
- Raw beans are toxic and should not be eaten
Important notes
Never eat dry beans raw. Cook them well.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Phaseolus vulgaris
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Phaseolus vulgaris
- Wikipedia: Green bean
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)