When and how do I plant Contender bush beans?
Sow Contender seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60F. Plant 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows. Beans dislike transplanting, so direct sowing works best.
How many days until Contender beans are ready?
Contender is an early, dependable variety that produces tender snap beans in about 45-50 days. Its quick maturity makes it a favorite for short-season gardens and successive plantings.
Do Contender bush beans need staking?
No. As a bush bean, Contender grows to about 18-24 inches and stands on its own without a trellis or pole, making it low-maintenance and ideal for beginners and raised beds.
How do I harvest Contender beans for the best flavor?
Pick the pods while they are young, smooth, and snap crisply, before the seeds inside bulge. Harvesting every few days keeps the plants producing a heavy, continuous crop.
How many seeds are in the packet?
Each packet holds approximately 50 seeds, enough to plant a productive row of bush beans for fresh eating, freezing, or canning.
Are Contender beans heirloom and non-GMO?
Yes. Contender is an open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom bean, so you can save seed from mature, dried pods to replant next year.
Why are my pods getting tough?
Pods left too long grow fibrous. Pick while slender and before the seeds swell for the most tender beans.
How long do the seeds last?
Stored cool, dry, and sealed in the original packet, the seeds stay viable for a couple of years or more, with the best germination in the first year or two.
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