Mbombo Green Beans arranged in a circle on a white background.
A macro narrow depth of field angle of a trio of Mbombo Green beans on a white background.
A single Mbombo Green Bean on a white background.
Mbombo Green Beans in a dried pod and randomly arranged on a white background.
Mbombo Green Beans arranged in a grouping on white.
Pods lay beside a white bowl full of Mbombo Green Beans on a white background.
Mbombo Green Beans arranged in a circle on a white background.
A macro narrow depth of field angle of a trio of Mbombo Green beans on a white background.
A single Mbombo Green Bean on a white background.
Mbombo Green Beans in a dried pod and randomly arranged on a white background.
Mbombo Green Beans arranged in a grouping on white.
Pods lay beside a white bowl full of Mbombo Green Beans on a white background.

Bean Seeds,
Mbombo Green

4.420 Reviews#BN200 · 40 seeds
Price
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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris) Pole bean. This pole to semi-pole bean from Kenya shows excellent tolerance to heat and drought. Vines climb easily along a trellis or small fence, setting green pods about 5 to 6 inches. Harvest them young for tender, flavorful green beans, or let them mature into dry beans that reveal a wild mix of gemstone-like green colors. The name “Mbombo” is tied to a Creator God in African tradition, symbolizing prosperity and fertility, and gardeners have long believed this bean brings good energy to the soil as well as the table.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
50–60
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6–10 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Mbombo Green beans after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 65 F. The ideal temperature for growth is 70-80 F. They take about 50-60 days to mature, which is quick enough for short growing seasons. This is a pole to semi-pole bean, so a single sowing keeps bearing over a long season and there is no need to resow every couple of weeks. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Soaking the seeds for 2 to 3 hours before planting can enhance germination but is optional. Sow the seeds about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Ensure the soil is warm and keep it consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Mbombo Green beans have long vines and need support, so use a trellis or small fence to help them grow vertically​.

How to Grow

Sprouts usually appear in 5 to 8 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to about 6 to 10 inches apart. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid over-watering. Beans fix their own nitrogen, so excessive fertilization is unnecessary. Regular weeding and mulching can help retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth​​. Harvest frequently to keep plants productive.

How to Save Seeds

  • Common beans do not easily cross pollinate and can be grown close to one another, making them the ideal seed-saving project for beginners.
  • Save seeds from the best-looking, best-tasting, and most vigorous beans.
  • Leave pods on the plant to dry. Pull the plants and shake them vigorously into a bag to release the beans from the pods (same as you would for using them as dried beans).
  • Store in a cool, dry place for the winter (a glass jar in the refrigerator works well!).

FAQ

Do Mbombo Green beans need support?

Yes, they are a pole variety and require support such as a trellis or a small fence to grow properly.

How often should I plant new seeds for continuous harvest?

You do not need to. Mbombo Green is a pole to semi-pole bean, so one sowing bears over a long season rather than all at once the way a bush bean does. If you do want a second planting, make it early enough that at least 50-60 frost-free days remain, since these beans are not frost-hardy.

Are Mbombo Green beans frost-hardy?

No, they are not frost-hardy and should be planted after the last frost date in your area.

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Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 20 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Early to ripen: First pole bean to come in, well ahead of the others.

  • Loves heat and drought: Thrives in hot, dry spells with hardly any watering.

  • Heavy producer: A few plants fill the bean jar, fresh or dried.

  • Creamy dried beans: Cook up smooth and thin-skinned; jade color fades.

  • Heads up: Vines to 5 feet, not a bush; give it a trellis.

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