Navy Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Navy'

vegetable

Small creamy-white oval beans with a mild, delicate flavor. The classic Boston baked bean and the bean of Senate Bean Soup. Also called haricot beans in Europe. Among the most versatile dried beans for soups and stews. Compact bush plants that fit easily into small gardens and produce prolifically.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Corn — Provides light shade; classic three sisters partner
• Carrot — Compatible root depth; both benefit from nitrogen fixed by beans
• Summer Savory — Traditional bean companion; deters bean beetles
• Marigold — Deters soil nematodes and bean beetles

❌ Keep away from

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Mexican bean beetle →

  Row cover early; handpick adults and larvae from leaf undersides; neem oil spray

• Seed corn maggot →

  Plant into warm soil only; avoid fresh manure at planting time

• Aphids →

  Insecticidal soap; water blast; parasitic wasp habitat nearby

• Bean leaf roller →

  Bt spray when larvae small; remove rolled leaf shelters

🌾 Harvest & storage

For dry beans: let pods mature and brown fully on the plant, then harvest the entire plant and dry under cover for 2 weeks before threshing. Shell beans can be eaten at the green stage for a milder fresh flavor. Store dried beans in sealed jars for up to 3 years. Soak overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

High in protein, fiber, folate, thiamine, iron, and magnesium. One of the top plant sources of thiamine (vitamin B1). Excellent resistant starch for gut health. Used in traditional American and European cuisines for centuries.