How to Grow Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Detroit Dark Red'
Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean is a popular heirloom variety of Phaseolus vulgaris prized for its reliable yield and deep red pods. Gardeners grow this easy-to-cultivate warm-season crop to enjoy fresh, tender beans in the summer garden.
📷 Wikipedia: Phaseolus vulgarisStarting Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow seeds into the garden only after the last spring frost when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently for germination.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 before sowing seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Do not start indoors; wait until soil is warm. Plant seeds 1 inch deep where they will grow, noting that germination typically takes 8 to 12 days under these conditions.
Space plants 4 to 6 inches apart since this bush type does not require trellising or support. Keep the soil consistently moist with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly, applying mulch to retain moisture and feed the plants as needed during the growing season.
Watch for Mexican bean beetles, aphids, thrips, and leafhoppers, treating infestations early with insecticidal soap or by hand. Prevent anthracnose, bacterial blight, rust, and powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest pods 57 to 60 days after sowing when they are young and tender.
When to Plant Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean
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 Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean
✓ Good companions
Loosens soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Beans provide nitrogen while cucumbers use different soil nutrients
Shallow roots don't compete with beans, benefits from bean's nitrogen fixation
Repels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting beans
Breaks up compacted soil and deters bean beetles
Cool-season crop that utilizes nitrogen fixed by beans
Repels bean beetles and may improve bean flavor and growth
✗ Keep away from
Allelopathic compounds can stunt bean growth and reduce yields
Can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation by root bacteria
Compete heavily for nutrients and water, can shade out bush beans
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
