Contender Bush Bean is the ultimate early-season green bean for gardeners seeking a perfect blend of flavor and high yields. This heirloom variety delivers slightly curved, thick pods measuring 5½ inches long — ideal for fresh eating, freezing, or canning. What sets Contender apart is its exceptional reliability and consistent performance across diverse growing conditions, including summer temperatures hovering between 90 and 95°F — making it one of the most heat-tolerant bush beans available. Plants mature in approximately 50–60 days, perfect for succession planting throughout the season. Compact bush habit requires minimal space and fits seamlessly into small gardens, raised beds, or containers. Pods develop tender and stringless at peak maturity. I love eating them fresh and not snapped.

Germination Rate: 85%. Test Date: 5/25. TLM.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 70%.

Health Benefits of Bush Beans

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. They contain amino acids essential for building and repairing tissues, and combining them with grains, nuts, or seeds provides all essential amino acids. Beans are low in saturated fat and calories compared to animal protein — making them heart-friendly and suitable for weight management. Great for canning and freezing.

Why Choose Contender Bush Bean?

• Heat-Tolerant: One of the best bush beans for growing in temperatures between 90–95°F — a standout performer in hot Southern climates.
• Stringless 5½" Pods: Tender, stringless pods with superior fresh taste and texture compared to many modern varieties.
• Early & Reliable: Matures in 50–60 days with consistent performance across diverse growing conditions.
• Compact Bush Habit: No staking needed — fits seamlessly in small gardens, raised beds, and containers.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down through generations — save seeds year after year for a self-sustaining garden.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Requires full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Contender excels in heat and is an excellent choice for Southern gardens.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Beans fix their own nitrogen — avoid over-fertilizing.
• Planting: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil temps reach 60°F. Great for both spring and fall planting.
• Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 2–3 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Thin to 4–6 inches apart.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; avoid overhead watering once flowers appear.
• Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization needed — beans fix atmospheric nitrogen. A light balanced fertilizer at planting is sufficient.
• Succession Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest through the season.
• Harvesting: Ready in 50–60 days. Harvest when pods are 5½ inches long and snap cleanly. Pick frequently to encourage continued production.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Fresh Eating: Snap and eat raw — or leave unsnapped as David prefers — for the sweetest, most vibrant fresh green bean flavor.
• Steaming: Steam whole pods for 5–7 minutes for a crisp, tender side dish — finish with butter and sea salt.
• Sautéing: Sauté in olive oil with garlic and shallots for a quick, flavorful side in under 10 minutes.
• Canning: Contender’s consistent pod size makes it excellent for home pressure canning — holds color and texture beautifully.
• Freezing: Blanch for 3 minutes, cool in ice water, and freeze for a year-round supply of garden-fresh green beans.

Order Contender Bush Bean Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh Contender bush beans in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to harvested green bean pods, not seeds. Per 1 cup green beans, approx. 100g.)

• Calories: 31
• Total Fat: 0.1g
• Sodium: 6mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 7g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.7g
• Total Sugars: 1.4g
• Protein: 1.8g
• Vitamin C: 12.2mg (14% DV)
• Vitamin K: 14.4mcg (12% DV)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in size, color, and maturation. Results may vary based on growing conditions, climate, and gardening practices.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration in an airtight container extends viability. Properly stored bean seeds remain viable for 3–4 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10. Contender is especially well-adapted to hot Southern climates and is one of the most heat-tolerant bush bean varieties. Consult your local extension service for zone-specific planting guidance.

At David's Garden Seeds®, we take pride in bringing you heirloom seeds you can trust — grown with integrity, backed by decades of experience, and selected for home gardeners who care about what they grow and what they eat. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your garden.