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When to Plant Kidney Beans in USDA Zone 7b

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 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

Zone 7b Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Zone 7b

Where Is USDA Zone 7b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the Kidney Beans planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar — Zone 7b

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

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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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

5°F to 10°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

235 days (Zone 7b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth1 inches
Plant Spacing15 inches apart
Row Spacing24 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Zone 7b

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Saving Kidney Beans Seeds

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Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

Related Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, plan your Kidney Beans planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Direct sow outdoors around March 25.

Can Kidney Beans grow in Zone 7b?

Yes, Kidney Beans can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for Kidney Beans (85-110 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Kidney Beans in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, expect to harvest Kidney Beans from June 24 – July 29. Kidney Beans takes 85-110 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 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.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 7b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.