Yancheng

Yardlong type/"Asparagus bean" edible-podded cowpea. A true bush type, this does not require poles or any type of support when growing. It grows very similar in habit to a large bush-type common bean, except with noticeably different leaves and flowers. Very early for a cowpea, it matures just slightly later than most bush beans. Long, thin pods about 10-13" in length are best picked when pencil-thin or thinner. Pods have good flavor that is much more distinct flavor compared to common bean. Once allowed to mature, the pods fill with slim mauve-reddish colored seeds that can be your stock for next year. This is my favorite yardlong due to its easily managed growth habit and earliness. Some yardlongs struggle to mature in my climate but not this one. Allegedly, it may develop a vining habit in extreme warm weather areas, but I have never seen this happen.