Green beans are one of the most popular, versatile and nutritious veggies that are seen on dinner tables year-round. However, green beans don’t normally grow year-round without some serious help from us.
Without ideal conditions, green beans will falter and fail to produce. One of the primary variables is sunlight. So, how much sun do green beans need to grow?
Green beans need around 6 hours of sunlight a day, though they can get by fine with 5 hours or a little less in ideal conditions. In warmer weather, green bean plants should be protected from harsh sun, else they may suffer.
Green beans, like most plants of its kind are definitely cool-weather vegetables, but they can grow well or even thrive in warmer weather so long as you pay close attention to their other requirements and regulate how much sun they are getting.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about getting sunlight on your green beans!
Do Green Beans Need Full Sun?
Yes, although they do not need full sun all day in most climates.
How Many Hours of Sun Do Green Beans Need?
In general, green beans are going to need around 6 hours of sunlight a day, though they can get by with a little bit less when they are otherwise in ideal conditions.
Can Green Beans Grow in Shade?
Green beans can grow well in partial shade as long as all of their other requirements are being met. This is because the bean cases themselves will benefit from the protection of harsh sunlight, particularly afternoon sun.
That being said, green beans require sunlight and plenty of it, and will not grow well or at all if they are completely shaded all of the time or for most of the day.
Can Green Beans Get Too Much Sun?
Yes, absolutely. Green beans can definitely get too much sun, particularly in a warmer climate. High ambient temperatures and abundant sunshine will cook the beans right on their stems.
As any gardener knows, green beans can be a notoriously finicky crop until you get their needs dialed in.
They need just the right amount of sunshine and water to produce a bountiful harvest, but too much of either can quickly lead to halting growth.
For instance, too much sun can cause the beans to produce fewer fruits and flowers, or even cause existing flowers to drop.
In severe cases, the leaves of the plant may start to yellow and wilt. If this happens, try moving the plant to a shadier spot if possible and providing it with extra water. With a little tender loving care, your green beans should soon bounce back.
Do Different Varieties of Green Beans Need More or Less Sun?
All green beans, also known as string beans, are members of the species Phaseolus vulgaris. However, there are many different varieties of green beans, each with its own unique flavor and contrasting culinary uses.
While all green beans need some sun to grow, different varieties thrive in different conditions.
For example, pole beans require full sun and should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
On the other hand, bush beans can tolerate partial shade and only need four to five hours of direct sunlight per day.
When deciding how much sun your green beans need, it is important to choose a variety that will thrive in the conditions you can provide.
With so many different varieties available, there is sure to be a type of green bean that will thrive in your garden, regardless of the amount of sun it receives.
What Happens if Green Beans Don’t Get Enough Sun?
Most green beans need at least six hours of sunlight each day to produce a bountiful crop. Without enough sun, the plants will be spindly and produce fewer beans.
In some cases, the beans may not develop properly and will be small and misshapen. Without enough sun, green beans will also produce fewer beans overall.
This is because the plant needs sunlight to photosynthesize and create food for the beans to grow.
Without enough sunlight, the plant will not be able to produce enough food for the beans to reach full size. As a result, the beans will be smaller and less flavorful.
If you live in an area with short days or prolonged cloudy weather, you may need to supplement the natural light.
Green beans are relatively easy to grow with the right know-how, but if you don’t give them enough sun, you’ll be disappointed with the results.
Can Green Beans Grow in Indirect Sun?
Yes, they can. While green beans need direct sunlight to grow, they can tolerate indirect sun for part of the day. This is because the plant benefits from the rays of the sun, even if it is not directly shining on the leaves.
This can also give the plant a much needed break from the intense heat of the day and late afternoon sun, which is usually pretty brutal.
Indirect sun is often found in areas that are shaded for part of the day, such as beneath a tree. The dappled sunlight that filters through the leaves can provide the green beans with the light they need to grow, without being too intense.
If you live in an area with very hot summers, partial shade may be necessary to prevent your beans from getting too much sun and dying off.
Also consider that it is possible to grow green beans indoors, or at least get them started for an upcoming season.
If you have a south-facing window, your green beans can get the light they need to grow. You may need to supplement the light with artificial lighting, but it is possible to grow green beans indoors with the right setup.
Transitioning Green Beans from Indoors to Sunlight
If you do decide to grow or start your green beans indoors, you must know how to gently transition them to their future outdoor home without frying them.
The best way to do this is to start by placing them outside in a shady spot for a few hours each day for about a week or two. Allow more time in hotter climates.
Slowly increase the amount of time they spend in direct sunlight each day until they are able to tolerate being in the sun all day long.
Once they have acclimated to the outdoors, you can plant them in their final location. It is important to take your time with this process so that you do not stress the plants.
Tom has built and remodeled homes, generated his own electricity, grown his own food and more, all in quest of remaining as independent of society as possible. Now he shares his experiences and hard-earned lessons with readers around the country.
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