How to Grow Dragon Tongue
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Dragon Tongue'
Dragon Tongue is an heirloom variety of common bean prized for its vibrant appearance and reliable yield. Gardeners cultivate this warm-season legume to enjoy fresh pods in summer gardens or containers. Its moderate difficulty makes it accessible for many home growers seeking a productive addition to their vegetable patch.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Dragon Tongue: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Dragon Tongue is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow seeds outdoors only after the last frost date has passed and soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 before sowing. As a warm-season crop, you must direct-sow seeds only after the last spring frost once the soil has warmed up; do not start indoors or plant early. Push seeds into the earth at a depth of roughly one inch. Expect germination to occur within seven to twelve days under these warm conditions.
Space plants four to six inches apart to ensure good air circulation. Install sturdy trellises immediately, as this variety requires support for its vines. Maintain consistent moisture by providing about an inch of water weekly; avoid wetting foliage excessively to reduce disease risk. Apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds while feeding plants with balanced fertilizer if growth slows.
Watch for bean beetles, slugs, and aphids on tender leaves, treating infestations early with organic controls. Prevent bacterial blight, white mold, and anthracnose by ensuring good airflow and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest pods sixty to seventy days after sowing when they are plump but still tender; snap them off the vine for best flavor.
When to Plant Dragon Tongue
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | July – August | October – August |
| Zone 2 | — | June – August | September |
| Zone 3 | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | August – October |
| Zone 5 | — | May – June | August – October |
| Zone 6 | — | May – June | August – September |
| Zone 7 | — | April – June | July – September |
| Zone 8 | — | April – May | July – August |
| Zone 9 | — | March – April | June – July |
| Zone 10 | — | February – April | May – July |
| Zone 11 | — | January – March | April – June |
| Zone 12 | — | January – March | April – June |
| Zone 13 | — | January – March | April – June |
Companion Plants for Dragon Tongue
✓ Good companions
Repels aphids, thrips, and spider mites that commonly attack beans
Repels aphids, ants, and flea beetles that damage bean plants
Provides natural support structure for climbing beans and benefits from nitrogen fixation
Repels bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting predatory insects
Breaks up compacted soil and deters bean root fly larvae
Repels bean beetles, carrot flies, and other harmful insects with strong aromatic oils
Large leaves provide ground cover, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds
✗ Keep away from
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit bean germination and growth
Stunts bean development and interferes with beneficial rhizobia bacteria
Inhibits bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
