The main difference between pole beans and bush beans is that pole beans grow up long and require a trellis for support whereas bush beans grow only about 2-3 feet tall in a bush and do not require any support.
Pole bans and bush beans are two types of legumes that are easy to grow. Both types of beans are quite similar to each other, and both have exactly the same taste as well. However, bush beans require more space to grow than pole beans. Understanding the characteristics of the two types of beans helps to select the most suitable type for your garden.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Pole Beans
– Definition, Characteristics, Types
2. What are Bush Beans
– Definition, Characteristics, Types
3. What are the Similarities Between Pole Beans and Bush Beans
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Pole Beans and Bush Beans
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Bush Beans, Length, Maturation, Pole Beans, Space, Support
What are Pole Beans
Pole beans refer to climbing beans, usually trained to grow upright. They grow up to 5-6 feet on the ground. Therefore, pole beans need 6-8 feet trellis for support. They can also be trained to grow into a teepee shape. Due to vertical growth, pole beans produce the same yield within a small space. Also, they are easy to pick.
Figure 1: Pole Beans
However, pole beans take a longer time to mature. Instead, they produce the yield for several times. The plants stop producing the fruit once harvesting declines. However, pole beans are more resistant to diseases.
What are Bush Beans
Bush beans refer to the beans with a bushy growth. They grow approximately 1-2 feet on the ground and do not require any support. Generally, bush beans prefer hot summer temperatures to produce more yield. Bush beans are less labor intensive.
Figure 2: Bush Beans
Bush beans mature soon. But, they produce their fruit only once. Hence, mechanical harvesting is suitable. And this makes the bush beans ideal for commercial purposes. Some beans such as blue lake beans have both types of pole and bush bean varieties.
Similarities Between Pole Beans and Bush Beans
- Pole beans and bush beans are legumes.
- Both are easy to grow.
- The color of the bean can be green, purple or yellow.
- Both may have the same taste.
Difference Between Pole Beans and Bush Beans
Definition
Pole Beans: Climbing beans, usually trained to grow upright
Bush Beans: Beans with a bushy growth
Growth
Pole Beans: Grow long (5-6 feet)
Bush Beans: Only grows for 1-2 feet long
Support
Pole Beans: Require a pole for support
Bush Beans: Do not require a support
Space
Pole Beans: Do not require more space
Bush Beans: Require more space
Growth Conditions
Pole Beans: Prefer cool temperatures
Bush Beans: Prefer warmer temperatures as summer
Shape of the Fruit
Pole Beans: Broad and flat
Bush Beans: Pencil thin
Maturation
Pole Beans: Mature later (within 65-75 days)
Bush Beans: Mature quickly (within 50-60 days)
Duration
Pole Beans: Produce fruits several times
Bush Beans: Produce fruits once for the season
Care
Pole Beans: Require more care
Bush Beans: Require less care
Fresh or Dired
Pole Beans: Dried beans are better
Bush Beans: Fresh beans are better
Benefits
Pole Beans: Easy to handle into some shade
Bush Beans: Better for low-growing gardens
Examples
Pole Beans: Kidney beans, navy beans, and scarlet runner beans
Bush Beans: Filet beans
Conclusion
Pole beans grow long and they require a support while bush beans do not require a support as they do not grow long. Also, pole beans require less space to give the same amount of yield when compared to bush beans. Pole beans produce their fruits for a longer period of time as well. The main difference between pole beans and bush beans is the type of growth.
Reference:
1. “How to Grow Pole and Bush Beans – Gardening Tips and Advice at Burpee.com.” How to Grow Cosmos – Annual Flowers, Gardening Tips and Advice at Burpee.com, Available Here
Image Courtesy:
1. “Kentucky Blue Beans on Bamboo Tipi” By Soni Pitts (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Soni Pitts” by wanko (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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