Common Bean Growth Stages

Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Legume Types

VE • Hypocotyl has emerged from soil (crook stage)

VC • Two cotyledons & primary leaves at nodes 1 & 2

V1 • 1st trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node 3 [Fig. 1]

V2 • 2nd trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node 4

V3 • 3rd trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node 5

V4 • 4th trifoliolate unfolded at node 6 + branching

Vn • nth trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node (n+2)

R1 • One open flower (early flower) on the plant

R2 • 50% open flowers (mid flower) [Fig. 2]

R3 • one pod at maximum length (early pod set)

R4 • 50% of pods at maximum length (mid pod set)

R5 • One pod with fully developed seeds

R6 • 50% of pods with fully developed seeds (mid seed fill)

R7 • One pod at mature color (physiological maturity) [Fig. 3]

RH • 80% of pods at mature color (harvest maturity)

Figure 1 - 1st trifoliolate leaf unfolded at node 3

Figure 2 - 50% open flowers (mid flower)

Figure 3 - One pod at mature color (physiological maturity)

Additional Resources

Authors

H.F. Schwartz (Colorado State University) and M.A.C. Langham (South Dakota State University)

Photo credits

Courtesy of H. F. Schwartz [03/10]