Flat bean

The flat bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a vine and herbaceous annual that thrives in the warm climates of Central America and Mexico, with native ranges extending from Costa Rica to Nicaragua and across various regions of Mexico including Central, Gulf, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest areas. This edible plant is known for its culinary uses, as both its fruits and seeds are commonly consumed. The flat bean grows up to 2 meters in height and requires moist soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It can be propagated through direct sowing or transplanting, with seeds best planted one week after the last frost and about 12-14 weeks before the first frost. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light energy requirement, rated at 8 out of 10, indicating it prefers moderate sunlight but can tolerate some shade.