Snake Beans Growing Zone

Snake beans growing has long been practiced in Asia. Indeed snake beans probably originated in South China. They do enjoy warmer, humid climates and consistent rainfall. Consequently, this makes them perfect for the tropics!

There are a number of varieties of snake bean. We have looked for varieties that are more suitable to our warmer, wetter climates. Hence one of the best varieties for the tropics is Green Pod Kaohsiung.

Snake Beans Growing in Australia

Location and Soil

These beans are excellent climbers and can be positioned to easily crawl over shrubs, up a trellis or even up a fence.

Find a sunny location to plant in. They love a sunny location and extra water, especially during the ‘dry season’.

Plant in well draining soil. Snake beans can tolerate slightly acidic soils, however they prefer a soil pH of between 5.5 and 7.5.

Snake Beans Growing from Seed

Snake Beans Growing Season

Snake beans growing in pots

We suggest growing in pots or containers. You will still need a trellis and to care for your plants.

Fertilising 

Your beans will benefit from extra organic matter. We add a rich compost before planting. In addition, a liquid organic fertiliser rich in nitrogen applied once a month is a great way to feed your chard on an ongoing basis. Consequently, this will give your plant a nice growth spurt.

Watering

You must water during the dry season. However plants will really enjoy the wet season, provided the soil is well drained.

Pests and Diseases

Common pests and diseases include rusts, mildews, viruses, fungal diseases, aphids, bean flies, caterpillars and mites. However, regular application of ‘white oil’ can help address these pests. Indeed white oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home.

However, in recent years neem oil has become more popular as an organic method to control a variety of pests. It is sustainable and highly effective when applied according to directions.

Eating Snake Beans

The best part of snake beans growing, is eating the beans themselves. Indeed they are eaten fresh or cooked. Consequently, they are used in salads, eaten with rice and added to stir-fries and curries.

Health Benefits

Weight Loss

A 100 gram serving contains just 47 calories. Hence this is truly one of the low-calorie vegetables. The fibre also helps make you feel ‘full’ and is highly effective for weight loss.

Fibre

The soluble and insoluble fibre in these beans is good for your digestive system. Consequently, they are a good vegetable to add to your diet if you are suffering from constipation.

Immune System

In addition snake beans contain a high amount of vitamin-C, which is good for you. After all, studies show vitamin-C can help build immunity to infections, assists in maintaining blood vessel elasticity, and can help some people to combat certain cancers.

Antioxidants

This vegetable also contains important minerals, including iron, copper, manganese and calcium. So the body uses manganese as a cofactor for the important antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Prebiotics

Finally, snake beans are a good prebiotic food. Hence, this prebiotic is fibre passes through the GI tract undigested and stimulate the growth of good gut bacteria.

Indeed with all these benefits, you should start snake bean growing now!

Other Tropical Vegetables

• Capsicum
• Cucumber
• Eggplant
• Jicama
• Kangkong
• Malabar Spinach
• Pak Choi
• Perpetual Spinach
• Pumpkin Growing
• Sweet Potato
• Tatsoi

Relevant Content

• Tropical Herbs
• Tropical Fruits
• Tropical Vegetables
• Indoor Ficus

Tropical Gardening