Climbing beans not growing upwards: causes and solutions

Why aren't your bean stems climbing?

Climbing beans not growing upwards is a common problem. It usually happens early in the season, and you see your stems growing slowly, sometimes spreading horizontally, or just not climbing the support quickly.

Causes vary: poor support structure, cold soil temperature, nutrient deficiency, seed error, or simply the variety you planted. The solution depends on what is wrong.

Cause 1: Support is missing or too thin

This is the most common problem. If your bean stems have no strong support, they won't climb upwards.

Check your support (trellis, branches, rope, stick). Beans need something strong and obvious to grip. Thin twigs (thinner than a pencil) do not work well. The stem cannot hold firmly enough.

Solution: Use strong support. Bamboo poles 2-3 cm diameter, wooden laths, steel wire, or sturdy rope work well. If you used thin twigs, replace them with thicker material. The bean will quickly climb once better support is there.

Cause 2: Cold soil or cold air

Beans are heat lovers. Soil temperature below 12-13 degrees Celsius is problematic, and they grow slowly. If you plant them too early in the season (April), especially in cold years, everything grows poorly.

Check your soil temperature. This is more important than air temperature. Cold soil leads to slow root development, few side shoots, and slow upward growth.

Solution: Wait until late May or early June to sow in cold regions. The soil must be at least 15-16 degrees. Pre-warming the soil with black plastic a few weeks before sowing also helps. December beans planted in September for winter growth work better in temperate climates.

Cause 3: Underfeeding or poor soil quality

Beans grow slowly in poor soil. If you have not added enough organic matter or nutrition, everything grows slowly.

Check if your soil is dark (good humus) and feels loose and nourishing. Very sandy or heavy clay soil without compost results in poor growth.

Solution: Before planting add 5-7 cm of well-rotted compost or manure to your beds. This boosts growth. After sprouting you can give half-strength nitrogen-rich fertilizer (e.g. nettle liquid or compost tea). This stimulates leaf growth and upward growth.

Cause 4: Wrong variety or seed error

Not all "beans" climb. Dwarf beans (varieties like 'Contender', 'Mascotte') are bush varieties - they grow 30-40 cm and spread sideways, not upwards.

Check your seed packet. Does it say "runner bean", "climber", or "Phaseolus coccineus"? Then it should climb. Does it say "dwarf bean" or "bush bean", then it won't.

Solution: For next season: buy true climbing beans (varieties like 'Scarlet Runner', 'Borlotti Climber', 'Yellow Brandywine'). These grow to 2-3 metres if conditions are right.

Cause 5: Too much nitrogen or no support from below

If you have given lots of compost or fertilizer, beans can grow lots of leaves but climb slowly. Also without support from below (for example because you sowed them straight in sand without soil) everything grows poorly.

Solution: Less nitrogen (prevent compost being too much), and ensure support from below too. If you sow beans directly in ground, put some compost/soil in the hole first. Beans also need some soil support.

Cause 6: Drought

Beans grow much more slowly in dry soil. They need consistent moisture (not waterlogged, but not drying out).

Solution: Water regularly. At least once every two to three days in dry weather. Mulching around the plant (5 cm) helps retain moisture.

Step-by-step to fix it

Step 1: Examine the support

Check what you have now. Replace thin twigs or ropes with thicker material. Beans need something sturdy with roughness so they can grip.

Step 2: Feel the soil

Squeeze the soil in your hand. Does it feel dry and sandy, or feel cold? This helps determine the cause.

Step 3: Add nutrition

Give a nutrition boost with nettle liquid or diluted compost tea. This stimulates growth. Once every two weeks in the growing season.

Step 4: Ensure consistent moisture

Water regularly. Not waterlogged, but never dried out. Mulch around the plant.

Step 5: Be patient

Once you have fixed everything, beans usually show reaction within two to three weeks. They climb quickly once conditions are right.

Selecting good climbing beans

For next season: choose varieties proven as climbers:

• 'Scarlet Runner': Red flowers, edible purple beans, to 2.5 metres, very reliable
• 'Borlotti Climber': Marbled beans, robust, to 2 metres
• 'Yellow Brandywine': Yellow string beans, long, to 2 metres
• 'Vigna': Asian long bean, fine beans, to 2.5 metres

Dwarf beans to avoid if you want them to climb: 'Contender', 'Mascotte', 'Pinto Bush'.

Frequently asked questions

Can I "train" my beans to grow upwards?

Not really. If they do not naturally want to climb (because they are a dwarf variety), they will not climb well. You can gently pull them upwards, but they will return to spreading sideways.

How long do beans take to sprout?

Normally twelve to fourteen days after sowing under good conditions (warm, moist). In cold soil this can take three to four weeks.

Can I harvest my beans when small?

Yes, young and thin (about pea-pod size) are tastiest. Pick when about hand-palm length. This also stimulates new growth.

Do I need to pinch beans?

Not necessary. Climbing beans regulate themselves. Some growers pinch them above (at 2-2.5 metres height) to stimulate side growth, but this is optional.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my beans turning yellow?

This can be drought, overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or disease. Check moisture level first. Too much water leads to root rot.

Can I use pesticides?

Better idea: prevent with good conditions. If you really must, use biological pesticides only if needed. Beans sometimes attract spider mite in dry weather.

Can I grow beans in pots?

Yes, in large pots (20-25 litres). Make sure they have support and get regular water and feeding. Dwarf beans work better in pots than climbing beans.

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