Why Are My Bush Beans Yellow

Bush beans are a variety of green beans. Green beans grow in two ways; bush or pole. From start to finish, bush beans are grown in green color; if they are yellow, this could mean something is wrong with the plant. So what exactly causes bush beans to turn yellow?

When bush beans turn yellow, there is something wrong in their growing environment. Too much water, lack of space, sunlight issues, and disease can all cause bush beans to turn yellow.

For more details about what causes bush beans to turn yellow, tune into the writing below. 

7 Causes of Yellowing In Bush Beans

Let’s go into more detail as to why bush beans turn yellow.

Excess Water

One bush bean plant requires 2 inches of water per week. Although giving your plants too little water is easier, it is also just as easy to give them too much water. Too much water can be just as equally damaging as well.

When a bush bean plant gets too much water, the plant is essentially drowning. The roots are suffocated. 

This means that typically when oxygen and nutrients use the water to flow freely through the roots, they cannot because too much water is blocking their way. Thus, the plant doesn’t get the nutrients it needs.

If a bush bean plant isn’t getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs, the beans won’t have what they need to be green, and they will start to yellow.

Lack Of Sunlight

Sunlight plays a major role in keeping plants happy, healthy, and green! Chlorophyll, provided by the sun, and absorbed by the plants, is what keeps the bush beans green. 

Bush beans need full sunlight, around 6-8 hours a day of sun, to keep the plants and the plants green. Without it, the plant is bound to start looking yellow.

Not Enough Space 

Space isn’t something people commonly think about. However, it is a key factor in having happy bush beans. Bush beans are viney plants, they like their space, and they like to spread out. Usually, bush beans need about 6 inches of space between each plant to grow properly. 

The reason is that when plants don’t have the right amount of room, their roots collide together. Often, they can get root bound. Without space, the plant cannot grow as tall or get the nutrients it needs, as the plants compete for resources. 

Nutrient Deficiency 

Like all plants, bush beans need plenty of nutrients to grow properly and keep their rich, green color. Usually, a lack of color comes from a nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen is not only what helps plants grow tall, but it also helps plants stay green. 

Fungal Disease

Fungal diseases like root rots, blight, or anthracnose, often occur because of water sitting in the soil or the leaves. They can also spread through the soil, from plant to plant. 

Fungal diseases will take over the root system and stop nutrients from getting to the rest of the plant. This means that the plant will often look yellow and have stunted growth, and the fruit of the plant will be heavily affected. 

Alkaline In The Soil

Every plant you grow has a range of pH or alkalinity they like their soil to be at. For instance, tomato plants like their soil slightly more acidic than most. Bush beans tend to like their soil slightly acidic to mainly neutral. Soil levels with a pH between 6 and 7 are best for bush beans. 

When soil is more alkaline, it falls above a seven on the pH scale. This soil has high amounts of calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Alkaline can disrupt plant growth by overdosing on nutrients, thus causing yellowing leaves and fruit. It can also cause water restrictions to the roots, which would cause stunted plants.

Mosaic Virus

Mosaic virus is a terrible viral infection that can affect many different kinds of plants, including bush beans. The most common symptom of the mosaic virus is yellowing, distorted, and curling leaves that will eventually fall off.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for mosaic virus. Plants infected with this disease must be ripped out immediately, so the disease doesn’t spread any further. Make sure to throw out any infected plants in the garbage or burn them. Do NOT compost them; this will further spread the disease. 

How do you fix yellow leaves on bean plants?

Let’s take a look at a few steps you can take to fix leaves on bean plants.

Step One – Correct Amount of Water

If you notice your beans looking a bit yellow, it may be time to correct the watering schedule you have your plants on.

Check the soil daily by poking your finger in; if the soil feels moist at least an inch down, your beans do not need water. If the soil is dry at least an inch, you should give your beans good water. 

Step Two – Nutrients

Sometimes, yellowing can easily be fixed by giving your plants a few good doses of nitrogen. You can give your beans a liquid feed with an NPK of 15-5-5 weekly. By doing this, you’ll start seeing more green color over time.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to plant your plants in a strong, healthy compost that has fertilizer mixed in. Use a fertilizer that has well-balanced slow-releasing NPK. This will help your plants along, and you won’t have to feed them as much after planting them. 

Step Three – Space/Sunlight

This step is something to think about before you plant. Watch your garden or the space you are planning on planting. Ensure the area has good sunlight and gets that sunlight all day long. 

You can plant your beans directly into the ground or in a raised bed. Make sure they have at least 4-6 inches between each plant and 18 inches between each row. 

Final Thoughts

Yellowing bush beans can be alarming at first; however, usually, the cause is something that can be resolved in a matter of days. Look for other symptoms to find the cause and act accordingly. Hopefully, the issue is as simple as feeding your plants or giving them a different watering schedule. Happy gardening!