Type
bush snap
Green Bean variety
Contender Green Bean
An early bush bean with good heat tolerance and consistent yields. Pods are meaty and harvest is fairly concentrated.
Days to maturity
50 to 55
Best for
short seasons, canning
About Contender
Contender is an early bush snap bean with good flavor and a reputation for handling heat better than many beans. Pods are rounded and medium green, and plants are compact but productive.
Growing Contender Green Bean
It is a useful choice for gardeners who want an early crop that can still set in warm spells, but the plants still need even moisture during flowering. Harvest when pods are full length but not bulging with seed, and replant every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all green beans, see the complete guide.
How to grow Green BeansOther green beans varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.