Asparagus beans differ from the rest in tender pulp, juicy pod leaves without hard fibers and parchment partitions. Beans need such hard shells to protect the beans from mechanical damage and pest attacks. Specially selected asparagus varieties, on the contrary, have very tender pods, for this quality they are appreciated by gastronomic gourmets all over the world.
The names and photos of the best asparagus beans can be found in this article.
The best varieties of asparagus beans
Like all other beans, asparagus varieties are divided into:
- bush (up to 60 cm);
- semi-curling (up to 150 cm);
- curly (up to 500 cm).
The way these crops are grown is about the same. The only difference is that tall asparagus must be tied to supports. But from one such bush, which takes up a minimum of space in the garden, you can get a good harvest.
Asparagus beans can be of any selection: domestic, Italian, American, French or Dutch. Today, more and more often in Russian gardens, you can find an exotic subspecies of asparagus beans - long-stringed Vigna, whose homeland is Asia and India.
"Bona"
Beans of domestic selection, which are considered early maturing - asparagus ripens on the 55-65th day after planting seeds in open ground. The bushes of this variety are undersized, compact - about 40 cm high.
Mature pods reach a length of 15 cm, have an elongated rounded shape, a slightly curved tip. The pod itself is fiber-free, tender and juicy. There are five white beans inside it.
These asparagus beans can be grown in any region of Russia, both in Siberia and in the Moscow region, asparagus takes root well and gives high yields. The bushes are resistant to diseases, both pods and beans can be eaten.
"Blue Lake"
Super early bean variety belonging to the curly species. The bushes of this plant grow over one and a half meters. Such asparagus must be tied to supports, so you will have to take care of their availability in advance.
The beans ripen on the 50th day after the beans are planted in the ground. The pods grow long, about 16 cm, painted in a bright green hue, even and smooth.
There are absolutely no rigid partitions and fibers inside the pod, therefore, Blue Lake asparagus is considered a dietary product, ideal for preparing low-calorie and healthy meals.
Inside the pods are small white beans that can also be eaten.
In order for the variety to bear fruit well, the bushes need to be watered and fed regularly. Beans love light, so you need to plant beans in sunny areas.
"Sweet courage"
A bushy variety of asparagus beans with a short growing season - asparagus ripens as early as 41-50 days after the first sprouts emerge from the ground. Plants are short, compact, about 40 cm in height.
You can recognize this variety of asparagus by its cylindrical pods, which have a smooth bend and are colored bright yellow. The length of the beans reaches 14-17 cm, has a delicate taste and a lot of vitamins in the composition.
"Neringa"
Another early beans - asparagus of the "Neringa" variety, which begins to bear fruit by the 55th day after planting seeds in the soil. The fruits of this variety are long pods of small diameter, round cross-section.Their maximum length reaches 16 cm. The shells of the seed capsule are fleshy, juicy, without hard fibers and parchment taste.
Fruiting of beans is friendly - a bountiful harvest can be harvested all at once. Both the pods and the beans inside are edible. The variety is suitable for growing in any region of the country, it tolerates heat well, low temperatures, rarely gets sick.
"Pencil Pod Black Wax"
Mid-season asparagus variety of Italian selection, fruit ripening occurs 60-65 days after planting. The bushes are small, about 40 cm, are distinguished by their yield, endurance, compactness.
Ripe asparagus is light yellow. The pods are valued for their excellent taste, suitability for long-term storage and transportation. The pods remain dense and juicy for a long time, their presentation does not deteriorate. The length of the asparagus is about 15 cm. Inside the pods are beans - glossy black beans.
"Mascotte"
The bushes of this asparagus variety are very compact. The beans ripen early - on the 50th day after planting, the first pods can already be harvested. The French are very fond of this asparagus, the juiciness and crunchiness of the pods, the absence of fibers in their valves are especially appreciated.
Small bushes can be grown even on a balcony or window - this will allow you to feast on tender asparagus all year round, even while in a city apartment, and not in a suburban area.
The yield of the variety is very high, the pods are green, long (about 15 cm), cylindrical in shape.
"Kentucky Blue Pole"
Americans love this asparagus variety the most because it is sweet and very juicy, and it produces high yields. The ripening period for these beans is extended to 65 days. Bushes are considered tall, asparagus - curly. The height of climbing vines often exceeds 250 cm; these plants must be tied up or planted near fences, trees, arches.
The length of the pods reaches 20 cm, they are green in color. Distinctive features of beans are firmness, unpretentiousness and high yield. In general, the characteristics of the American hybrid resemble the Russian variety "Blue Lake".
"Gold Mine"
Shrub asparagus, which has very sweet pods. The culture is considered early maturing - the growing season of the variety is 55 days.
The bushes are powerful, upright growing, asparagus is tied in bunches, which significantly increases the yield of beans. About 800 grams of asparagus can be harvested from each bush of this variety.
The taste of the pods is unusual - they are very sweet, so children love these beans most of all.
"Fakir"
Mid-season beans belong to a group of asparagus called Vigna - the length of the pods reaches 50 cm. Moreover, the diameter of the pods does not exceed 1 cm, their flesh is tender and juicy.
Beans of the "Fakir" variety are a climbing plant, the length of a liana can reach 300 cm. Therefore, for the cultivation of this variety of asparagus beans, supports are required.
The variety belongs to the development of domestic breeders, so asparagus feels great in Russian dachas and vegetable gardens, rarely gets sick, gives high and stable yields.
"Spaghetti"
One bush of climbing beans of the Vigna subspecies gives about five kilograms of the crop. With good plant care, pods can reach 55 cm, their diameter is small - only 1 cm.
A distinctive feature of asparagus is the tender and juicy pulp of the pods, the absence of hard partitions and rind. This asparagus also lacks the characteristic bean flavor.
The plant belongs to the early maturing - the beans ripen on the 60th day after planting the seeds.
Fortex
A variety of asparagus from French breeders. It features long pods, delicate pulp, and a pronounced fresh taste. These beans have no hard shells and partitions, they are easy and quick to cook, and contain a lot of nutrients.
The length of the pods reaches 20-30 cm, but not only asparagus is valued in this variety.The French also eat the chocolate-colored beans that are inside the pods. The ripening period of beans is late - the growing season is 75-80 days. Therefore, it is better to grow French beans in a greenhouse or in the gardens of the southern part of the country.
"Red Podded Asparagus"
Powerful climbing bushes of this variety are decorated with many long pods of a purple hue - such beans will definitely not go unnoticed, they will become an attraction of the summer cottage.
The length of the pod can reach 80 cm, but experienced gardeners recommend eating asparagus, the length of which is about 0.5 meters - in this form, the beans are more tender and juicy.
"Asparagus Yardlong"
Classic asparagus of the Vigna subspecies, all varieties of which are distinguished by long pods. Climbing bushes can grow up to four meters in height and must be tied to strong supports.
The pods themselves are also gigantic - their maximum length is 80 cm. The culture is considered unpretentious, protected from diseases, and very productive.
The growing season is 80 days, so Vigna belongs to the late-ripening varieties of asparagus. It is better to grow it in greenhouses, because the climate of most of Russia is characterized by short and cool summers - in these conditions, the beans simply do not have time to ripen.
You can eat not only pods, the beans inside them are also very tasty, with a slight nutty flavor. Beans make surprisingly tasty dishes, aromatic and very healthy.
Rules for growing asparagus beans
All types of legumes are quite unpretentious, they do not need special care.
To grow good asparagus, there are a few simple rules to follow:
- Sow seeds in well-heated ground (above 12 degrees) or pre-grow seedlings.
- Place the beds with beans on the sunny side of the site.
- The soil should be loose and nutritious. If the soil is very acidic, it is necessary to add ash or dolomite flour to it.
- The beds with the planted beans are not watered until green shoots appear.
- The bushes are protected from the strong sun, the beans can shed their flowers from the heat.
- When the plants have four leaves, watering is stopped before the beans begin to bloom.
- During the entire growing season, asparagus must be fed twice.
- You need to pluck the pods in time, until they become tough and rough.
Vivid photos of asparagus just insist on being tasted. After all, this product is considered dietary - asparagus is very useful for both adults and children, it contains a whole range of vitamins and minerals.
