The Pinto Bean Plant: A Guide to Growing and Caring for It

Pinto Bean Plant – In fact, if you appreciate Mexican cuisine, you’ve almost certainly consumed a fair amount of pinto beans, which are a staple of the cuisine. Most likely, the milder, drier environment found south of the border contributes to their widespread popularity.

Whether you live in a warm subtropical climate, wish to broaden your garden bean selections, or like Mexican cuisine, pinto beans are a good choice for your gardening endeavors. Continue reading to learn how to cultivate pinto beans, as well as other useful pinto bean facts.

Pinto beans, which are native to Mexico, require between 90 to 150 days to mature as a dry bean, although they may be picked early and consumed as a green snap bean. Plants may be found in two kinds: determinate (bush) and indeterminate (pole) forms. They need relatively little maintenance, but they do require a greater distance between plants than other bean varieties. Because they are native to subtropical climates, they might be susceptible to cold temperatures.

Pinto beans need long, warm summers with full sun exposure for at least six hours every day in order to grow properly. Because pinto beans are vulnerable to illness, it is best not to plant them in areas where other beans have been growing for at least three years.

The seeds of beans are best sown directly into the ground since they do not fare well when transplanted. Planting them too early can cause them to decay in chilly, moist soil, so do not plant them too soon. In order to expedite the maturation of the beans, black plastic should be laid down to keep the soil warm to begin the growth process as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may grow pinto beans in pots inside and then transplant them outdoors as the weather warms up.

Pinto beans are a good companion plant for cucumbers, celery, and strawberries, among other vegetables. Despite the fact that they taste delicious when paired, onions, garlic, and fennel should not be grown as companion plants.

Pinto Bean Plant Care and Growing Instructions

Plant the pinto beans in a well-draining, moderately rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, according to the USDA. Prior to planting, incorporate compost into the soil to lessen the need for fertilizer. Soak the beans overnight in water before planting them. The eye of the bean should be oriented downward when planting pinto beans, which should be planted at a depth of 12 inches (4 cm), 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) apart, and with at least 2 feet (61 cm) between rows when planting green beans.

To improve aeration between rows of bush beans, provide more space between rows when planting them. If you are growing pole beans, be sure to give them a support structure such as a trellis, teepee, or fence. Make sure to water the seeds in thoroughly and to keep them wet. Germination should take between 8 and 14 days (21-26 C.) at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently thin the seedlings to a spacing of 6 inches (15 cm) between them.

As soon as the seedlings have begun to grow, water them sparingly, waiting until the soil has become completely dry between watering. Pintos don’t mind being dried out, but they despise having their roots wet. Water the plant from the base up to keep the leaves dry, as this will help to avoid mildew and other fungal infections.

Keep the space surrounding the beans clear of weeds, but do it with caution so that you don’t disrupt the roots of the plants. Halfway through the growth season, feed the beans with a compost tea to help them thrive. Aside from that, fertilizing is usually not essential. The only thing you have to do now is keep an eye on them and wait patiently for the harvest of pinto beans.

Pinto Bean Plant Harvesting Period

As previously stated, harvesting will not occur until 90 to 150 days (depending on the variety and weather conditions) have passed. Pinto beans may be collected when they are still green and immature, but most people prefer to let them dry on the vine until they are ready to be harvested again. When they reach this stage, they will be hard and about the thickness of a pencil.

Bush pinto beans mature in a single harvest, while pole beans are collected on a continual basis, resulting in increased output for a month or two after harvest. Harvesting pinto beans is as simple as gently pulling or snapping them from the vine.

If you’re planting dry beans, make sure the plants have enough space between them so that the pods can dry fully before harvesting them. After a late rain and the pods are fully ripe, remove the whole plant from the ground and hang it in a dry spot to let the desiccation process continue.