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

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Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow May 4 · First harvest Jul 3 · Wrap by Aug 14

Last spring frostApr 20

Direct sowMay 4

First harvestJul 3

Last harvestAug 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. 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 6b?

Pole Beans matures in about 60–75 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around May 4 and first picking around Jul 3.

Will pole beans survive frost in zone 6b?

No — pole 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 pole beans growing guide →