The genetics of the presence of coloured stripes on the flower standard in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was studied. One dominant gene was involved in the presence of purple stripes in PR1144-5/‘Badillo’ and 92BG-7/‘Verano’ populations. Furthermore, flowers without purple stripes co-segregated with light red and white seeds in both populations, respectively, and might be used as a morphological marker to select plants with these seed coat colours. This practice should avoid expenses in the field and (or) greenhouse to conserve plants until harvesting.