Thai Soldier Long Beans with foliage and blooms arranged on a white background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with cut and dried beans on a wooden background.
Whole and cut Thai Soldier Long Beans with blooms ad loose beans on wooden cutting board.
Sliced and whole Thai Soldier Long Beans with flowers on white background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with piles of shelled beans and blooms arranged artistically on a wooden background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with foliage and blooms arranged on a white background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with cut and dried beans on a wooden background.
Whole and cut Thai Soldier Long Beans with blooms ad loose beans on wooden cutting board.
Sliced and whole Thai Soldier Long Beans with flowers on white background.
Thai Soldier Long Beans with piles of shelled beans and blooms arranged artistically on a wooden background.

Noodle Bean Seeds,
Thai Soldier

4.133 Reviews#LG122 · 25 seeds
Price
Regular price $3.75
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.75
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Description

(Vigna unguiculata) Wild tiger-striped pods in deep red-brown hang thick and firm, stretching a full foot long and delivering bold, savory flavor with every bite. This Thai staple breaks the mold with a semi-bush habit—no trellis required—yet still pumps out heavy harvests like a climbing type. Long beans are a cornerstone crop across Southeast Asia, prized for their rich taste and daily kitchen use, and this standout selection brings that same dependable, high-quality eating to your garden.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Vigna unguiculata
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
70
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Thai Soldier long beans after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 60-70 F. They can be planted in spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. In warmer climates, they can be grown almost year-round​. 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

Preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, enriched with compost or aged manure. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Soak seeds overnight before planting.

Planting: Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep, about 6 inches apart. If using a trellis, space rows about 18-24 inches apart. Sprouts form in 5-8 days.

Watering: Keep the soil moderately moist until germination, then maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Grow

Full sun is crucial, with 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily. Even though it has a bush habit, you can provide a sturdy trellis or poles for the vines to climb, which helps maximize air circulation and sun exposure. You can use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to more foliage and fewer pods. Switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus as the plants begin to flower.

How to Save Seeds

  • This self-pollinating annual in the legume family will not readily cross with other nearby varieties, so a distance of 10-20 feet between other cowpea or long bean varieties is sufficient to ensure pure seed.
  • It is super easy to save seed; just allow pods to dry and wait for seeds to become dry and hard.
  • You should not be able to dent the seed with your thumbnail.
  • Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.

FAQ

Can I grow Thai Soldier long beans in containers?

Yes. The semi-bush habit means Thai Soldier does not need a trellis, which makes it one of the better long beans for a large, deep container. Give it a roomy pot and steady moisture.

What pests should I watch out for?

Common pests include aphids and spider mites. Regular monitoring and the use of natural predators like ladybugs can help manage these pests. Organic treatments such as neem oil or insecticidal soap are also effective.

How do I know when to harvest Thai Soldier long beans?

Harvest the beans when they are about the thickness of a pencil and 12-18 inches long. Overripe pods will become tough and stringy. Frequent harvesting encourages more production.

How can I store Thai Soldier long beans after harvesting?

Store fresh beans in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, blanch and freeze the beans to preserve their color and flavor.

Browse our full range of long bean seeds.

Customer reviews

4.1 / 5 33 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heads up: Not a bush bean; needs a tall trellis, and germination can be spotty.

  • Heavy producer: Once going, beans come faster than a family can eat.

  • Thrives in heat: Sulks in cool spring, then takes off in hot, dry weather.

  • Late-season crop: Keeps bearing into fall after other beans have quit.

  • Pick pods young: Good in stir-fry; pods left on too long turn tough.

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