Also known as 'Topnotch', the plants grow sixteen to eighteen inches tall, are upright and compact. Pods are stringless, straight, slightly flattened and a shade of light-yellow. The wax bean has been cultivated for seven thousand years, with the Top Notch variety being introduced in 1959 in Idaho. The wax bean is a great choice for those just starting out as gardeners, since these are easy plants to grow that require little care. Pods are ready for picking as early as 50 days, and continue to appear on the plants until frost.