Bean – Top Crop

Released in 1950 and winning the All-America Selections award that same year, Top Crop quickly became a trusted favorite for home gardeners. Its consistent performance and abundant harvests have kept it popular ever since.

Top Crop beans have a subtle sweetness and mild, earthy flavor. For best taste, harvest the pods while still young and tender—once the seeds fill out, the flavor fades and the texture turns "woody".

Top Crop produces straight, rounded pods that grow 6 to 7 inches long and are deep green in color. Plants stay low and compact, topping out around 15 to 18 inches tall.

Though Top Crop plants stay compact, they still need room to grow well. Spacing seeds 2 to 6 inches apart in rows 18 to 36 inches apart allows for good airflow and access to sunlight. Crowding them can lead to reduced yields and make it harder to harvest the pods, which grow in tight clusters.

This variety thrives in full sun and loose, fertile soil. It prefers warm conditions and is known for doing well in a range of growing zones, making it a dependable choice across many climates.

Top Crop is excellent fresh—straight from the garden or cooked in meals or as a side. It holds up nicely in stir-fries and casseroles and has a flavor that stands out even after cooking. It's also a favorite for preserving through freezing or canning.

For best results, harvest pods while still young and slender—before the seeds begin to mature. This keeps them tender and flavorful. Fresh pods can be refrigerated short term, or processed for long-term storage using canning or freezing methods.

Top Crop is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides several B vitamins including folate, thiamin, niacin, and B6. It’s a solid choice for gardeners looking to grow food that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

Yes—Top Crop is resistant to Common Bean Mosaic Virus (BCMV), a common disease that can damage plants and reduce yields. This resistance helps ensure a healthy crop for both beginner and experienced growers.