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

US · USDA Zone 7a · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Won't grow here

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

Plant zones

8a–11b

Virginia last frost

early March

Virginia first frost

late November

Days to harvest

60–80 days

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

Start indoors

Feb 14

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

May 6 – May 26

Dates are approximate, based on Virginia'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 Virginia

Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.