When to plant pole beans in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Sow May 14 · First harvest Jul 13 · Wrap by Aug 24

Last spring frostApr 30

Direct sowMay 14

First harvestJul 13

Last harvestAug 24

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 frost-free days. Pole 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 pole beans take to grow in zone 6a?

Pole Beans matures in about 60–75 days from sowing. In zone 6a that means sowing around May 14 and first picking around Jul 13.

Will pole beans survive frost in zone 6a?

No — pole beans is frost-sensitive. In zone 6a, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 30) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

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