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Can You Grow Yard-Long Beans (Snake Beans) in Minnesota?

US · USDA Zone 4a · zones 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b

Won't grow here

Yard-long beans need sustained heat and humidity and cannot complete their season in your zone.

Plant zones

8a–11b

Minnesota last frost

late April

Minnesota first frost

early October

Days to harvest

60–80 days

When to plant Yard-Long Beans (Snake Beans)s in Minnesota

Start indoors

Apr 4

Transplant

Apr 25

Harvest

Jun 24 – Jul 14

Dates are approximate, based on Minnesota's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Yard-Long Beans (Snake Beans)

Yard-long beans (snake beans, Chinese long beans, lobia) are a heat-loving climbing bean producing tender pods up to 3 feet long. Popular across Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines — used in dry-fried dishes, curries, and stir-fries.

Direct sow after soil warms to 65°F. Provide a sturdy trellis — vines grow 8-10 feet. Harvest at 12-18 inches for best texture — longer pods become tough. Pick every 2-3 days during peak. Loves heat and humidity.

Full yard-long beans (snake beans) growing guide →

Gardening in Minnesota

Minnesota has a cold humid continental climate. The Twin Cities are Zone 4b-5a; northern Minnesota reaches Zone 2b-3a. Cold winters but warm productive summers.