Contender Bean (Bush)
Phaseolus vulgaris
Seeds per pack: ~ 30
Germination: 94% (Packed for 2025)
Contender is a classic bush-type green bean. Great for the grower who doesn't have time to build a trellis! Despite being a bush bean, Contender is a heavy producer of delicious tender pods with excellent flavor. Great for cooking, raw eating, or pickling.
The Contender Bean (also known as Buff Valentine) is a popular variety of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) that is prized for its adaptability, early maturity, and high productivity. The Contender Bean is an excellent choice for home gardens due to its reliable performance, adaptability, and delicious flavor.
Plant Growth: Contender is a bush bean, meaning it grows in a compact, self-supporting form and does not require staking or trellising. Plants typically reach heights of 16–20 inches (40–50 cm).
The pods are round to slightly oval, smooth, and measure about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) long. Bright green in color and stringless when harvested young, offering a crisp, tender texture. Known for their sweet and rich flavor, making them great for fresh eating, canning, and freezing.
Contender Beans are an early-maturing variety, typically producing harvest-ready pods in just 40–55 days after planting. Thrives in cool weather but is also tolerant of heat, making it a versatile choice for various climates. This variety is resistant to common bean diseases such as powdery mildew and some strains of bean mosaic virus.
The Contender Bean offers abundant yields over a relatively short growing season, ideal for gardeners looking for a quick and reliable crop.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (16°C). Plant seeds about 1–2 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Requires full sun for optimal growth. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Beans prefer well-drained soil. Pick pods regularly to encourage continuous production and to ensure beans remain tender.
