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When to Plant Kidney Beans in New Jersey

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.

New Jersey spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Kidney Beans planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar for New Jersey

Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Aug 21
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 14
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Aug 5
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Jul 29

Growing Tips for New Jersey

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in New Jersey?

Planting dates for Kidney Beans in New Jersey depend on your USDA zone. New Jersey spans zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is New Jersey for planting?

New Jersey contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.