How to Grow Bamako
Phaseolus vulgaris
Bamako is an easy-to-grow heirloom bean variety known for its disease resistance against anthracnose and mosaic viruses. Gardeners appreciate this warm-season crop for its reliable production of pods in a short growing season, making it ideal for summer gardens across many USDA zones.
📷 Wikipedia: Phaseolus vulgarisStarting Bamako: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Bamako is not usually started indoors.
This plant is a warm-season crop that must be direct-sown outdoors only after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 to ensure optimal nutrient availability. As a warm-season bean, you must wait until after the last spring frost when the soil is thoroughly warm before sowing directly outdoors. Do not start indoors; sow seeds about one inch deep in full sun once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above freezing.
Space plants 4 to 6 inches apart to encourage healthy air circulation and pod development. Since Bamako grows only 12 to 18 inches tall, it does not require trellising or support structures. Provide regular watering to maintain moderate moisture levels, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce disease risk. Apply light mulch around the base to retain soil temperature and conserve water.
Monitor for bean beetles, spider mites, and aphids, treating infestations early with insecticidal soap or strong water sprays. Prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew by ensuring good airflow and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest the pods approximately 54 days after sowing when they are firm but tender; pick frequently to encourage continued production throughout the season.
When to Plant Bamako
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | July – August | September – August |
| Zone 2 | — | June – August | September |
| Zone 3 | — | June – July | August – October |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | August – October |
| Zone 5 | — | May – June | August – September |
| Zone 6 | — | May – June | July – September |
| Zone 7 | — | April – June | July – August |
| Zone 8 | — | April – May | June – August |
| Zone 9 | — | March – April | May – July |
| Zone 10 | — | February – April | May – June |
| Zone 11 | — | January – March | April – May |
| Zone 12 | — | January – March | April – May |
| Zone 13 | — | January – March | April – May |
Companion Plants for Bamako
✓ Good companions
Loosens soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Provides natural trellis support for climbing beans in Three Sisters planting
Compatible growth habits and shared beneficial insects
Repels Mexican bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes
Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attracts beneficial predators
Quick-growing companion that breaks up soil and deters bean beetles
Repels bean beetles and carrot flies with strong aromatic oils
Ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture
✗ Keep away from
Inhibits growth of beans through allelopathic root secretions
Allelopathic compounds can stunt bean development
May inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
