Washington DC · zones 7b–7b
When to plant green beans in Washington DC.
Sow between Apr 5 to May 26 in a typical year, keyed to Washington DC's median last frost around Apr 5. A second, fall sowing fits Jul 25 to Aug 27. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Green Beans dates for a typical Washington DC season.
Direct sow
Apr 5 to May 26
Keyed to the ~Apr 5 last frost. Sow 1" deep, 3" apart.
Fall round
Jul 25 to Aug 27
Counted back from the ~Nov 8 first frost.
Harvest
~55 days later
~0.75 lb per plant over ~3 weeks.
Washington DC spans more than one climate: Zone 7 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7b to 7b. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone: mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.
In Washington DC: watch for
The pests that find green beans here.
A middle-length season, about 217 frost-free days, means bush bean overlaps mexican bean beetle for a stretch each summer. Check plants every week or two and treat early.
Coppery ladybug-like beetles; leaves skeletonized to lace.
Organic fix: Handpick adults and yellow egg clusters; neem.
Orange or white spots on leaves late in the season.
Organic fix: Water at the base, space plants, spray neem.
Anthracnose
Sunken dark-red cankers on the pods, and leaf veins turning brick-red to black underneath.
Organic fix: Start with certified seed, water at the base, and stay out of the patch while the leaves are wet.
Your season math: Washington DC gives green beans about 217 frost-free days, and it needs roughly 55 days to a first harvest. That fits about 17 re-sown rounds across the season, so you can keep it coming instead of picking once.
Planting green beans in Washington DC: questions
When should I plant green beans in Washington DC?+
In a typical Washington DC year, sow green beans between Apr 5 to May 26, keyed to the state's median last frost around Apr 5. There's also a fall window: Jul 25 to Aug 27. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
What USDA zone is Washington DC?+
Washington DC spans zones 7b–7b, mostly zone 7. But frost dates, not zones, set planting time. The free planner uses your ZIP code's actual frost dates.
How many green beans plants do I need?+
Depends who you're feeding. The crop page has exact counts per household size, or the free planner does the math for your family in about 60 seconds.