When to plant bush beans in zone 6b — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJUL

Sow May 4 · First harvest Jun 23 · Wrap by Jul 14

Last spring frostApr 20

Direct sowMay 4

First harvestJun 23

Last harvestJul 14

First fall frostOct 15

Why these dates work in zone 6b

Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 20 and first fall frost Oct 15 — about 178 frost-free days. Bush Beans is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost.

Common questions

How long does bush beans take to grow in zone 6b?

Bush Beans matures in about 50–65 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around May 4 and first picking around Jun 23.

Will bush beans survive frost in zone 6b?

No — bush beans is frost-sensitive. In zone 6b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 20) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full bush beans growing guide →