When to Plant Kidney Beans in USDA Zone 11b
Top priorities for Zone 11b gardeners in April
April rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Zone 11b.
Get your Zone 11b-specific planner by email →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.
In Zone 11b, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Zone 11b
Where Is USDA Zone 11b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11b. Click any state to see the Kidney Beans planting schedule for that location.
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar — Zone 11b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 29 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – May 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 11b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~364 days). Start Kidney Beans indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
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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.
Related Plants
Kidney Beans in Other Zones
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
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, plan your Kidney Beans planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Direct sow outdoors around January 8.
Can Kidney Beans grow in Zone 11b?
Yes, Kidney Beans can grow well in Zone 11b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Zone 11b has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Kidney Beans (85-110 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Kidney Beans in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, expect to harvest Kidney Beans from April 9 – May 14. Kidney Beans takes 85-110 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11b is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Kidney Beans?
Good companion plants for Kidney Beans include Corn, Squash Summer. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.