Kidney Beans Planting Guide
Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.
Phaseolus vulgaris · Vegetable · Fabaceae family · 85–110 days to maturity
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Where Can You Grow Kidney Beans?
Kidney Beans Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Kidney Beans planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 3b | — | May 24 | — | Aug 23 – Sep 27 |
| Zone 4a | — | May 20 | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | — | May 15 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | — | May 2 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 5b | — | Apr 25 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 29 |
| Zone 6a | — | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 6b | — | Apr 10 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 14 |
| Zone 7a | — | Apr 1 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 7b | — | Mar 25 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 8a | — | Mar 15 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 19 |
| Zone 8b | — | Mar 4 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 8 |
| Zone 9a | — | Feb 17 | — | May 19 – Jun 23 |
| Zone 9b | — | Feb 1 | — | May 3 – Jun 7 |
| Zone 10a | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 14 |
| Zone 10b | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 14 |
| Zone 11a | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 14 |
| Zone 11b | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 14 |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Kidney Beans is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Transplant shows "—" because Kidney Beans is best direct sown where it will grow. Transplanting can disturb the roots and slow growth.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 11b
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
Medium-season crop. Start early for best results in shorter seasons.
👪 Plant Family
Fabaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Fabaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Kidney Beans to Grow
Kidney Beans takes 85–110 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Kidney Beans
✅ Good Companions
❌ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans
Direct sow after frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.
Saving Kidney Beans Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Kidney Beans by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Kidney Beans?
Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) takes 85 to 110 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Kidney Beans grow in?
Kidney Beans can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Kidney Beans need?
Growing Kidney Beans requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.