Phaseolus vulgaris 'Navy'
vegetableSmall 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.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~95 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
4-6 in
Planting Depth
1-1.5 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Soil Type
Average, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Inoculate seeds; no nitrogen fertilizer needed
Fertilizer
Compost worked in before planting; no additional nitrogen
Direct sow after last frost when soil is above 60 F. Navy beans are determinate bush plants growing 18 to 20 inches tall. They are more cold-sensitive than kidney or pinto beans — wait for consistently warm soil. Water moderately; overwatering in cool weather causes root rot. For dry beans, allow the season to run to completion until pods are fully papery and brown.
Direct sow
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Aug 2
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover early; handpick adults and larvae from leaf undersides; neem oil spray
Plant into warm soil only; avoid fresh manure at planting time
Insecticidal soap; water blast; parasitic wasp habitat nearby
Bt spray when larvae small; remove rolled leaf shelters
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.
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.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.