How far apart should I plant Tepary bean?

About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).

Does Tepary bean need full sun?

Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.

How much water does Tepary bean need?

Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.

How cold-hardy is Tepary bean?

It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.

When does Tepary bean flower?

About 5–6 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.

Is Tepary bean poisonous to cats and dogs?

For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Like other Phaseolus beans the raw seeds contain lectins; soak and boil before eating.

What grows well with Tepary bean?

"Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.

Tepary bean Phaseolus acutifolius

Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to Sonoran Desert of Arizona and north-west Mexico. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.

Plan Tepary bean in your garden →
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Tepary bean at a glance

Type	Annual vegetable
Family	Fabaceae
Mature height	30–60 cm (12–24 in)
Mature spread	50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft)
Spacing	20 cm (8 in) centre to centre
Sun	Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day
Water	Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none
Soil pH	6–8
Cold hardiness	About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11)
Heat stress	Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F)
Flowering	about 5–6 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks
Days to maturity	About 75 days from planting
Wind tolerance	Low
Pollinator value	Low
Edible	Yes: dry beans, green pods
Native to	Sonoran Desert of Arizona and north-west Mexico
Common in gardens of	🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico

Is Tepary bean toxic?

People: mildly toxic
Cats: not well documented
Dogs: not well documented
Parts: raw beans

Like other Phaseolus beans the raw seeds contain lectins; soak and boil before eating.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Tepary bean

Good neighbours

good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C

Keep apart or take care

caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C

Questions about Tepary bean

How far apart should I plant Tepary bean?: About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
Does Tepary bean need full sun?: Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Tepary bean need?: Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
How cold-hardy is Tepary bean?: It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
When does Tepary bean flower?: About 5–6 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
Is Tepary bean poisonous to cats and dogs?: For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Like other Phaseolus beans the raw seeds contain lectins; soak and boil before eating.
What grows well with Tepary bean?: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Plants of the national parks (Saguaro, Joshua Tree, Redwood), US National Park Service

Notes and assumptions

The most heat- and drought-tolerant bean, grown by the Tohono O’odham in summer-monsoon fields; it sets pods where common beans abort in the heat.

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

Related plants

Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
Garden pea Pisum sativum
Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis