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When to plant Black Beans in Bannock County, ID

Plant Black Beans in Bannock County, between May 30 and June 20 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (124 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Black Beans in Bannock County, ID

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Bannock County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 124 days.

At an elevation of 5,637 feet, Bannock County receives approximately 13.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Black Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Bannock County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
124 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
124 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Bannock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

Black Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Bannock County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Bannock County, ID

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 30 May 30 – Jun 20
Harvest August 29 Aug 29 – Oct 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

124 days in Bannock County

Growing Tips for Bannock County

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Bannock County, ID?

Bannock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bannock County, ID?

Bannock County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 24.

When should I plant Black Beans in Bannock County, ID?

In Bannock County, ID, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around May 23) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bannock County, ID for Black Beans?

Bannock County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Black Beans grow in Bannock County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Bannock County's temperate climate. Bannock County averages a 124-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 23 and first frost around September 24.

🌱

Your Bannock County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bannock County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bannock County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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