The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of abscisic acid (ABA) on the growth and cold resistance of Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings under low temperature stress, with a focus on elucidating the regulatory mechanism by which ABA mitigates cold damage in beans. Seedlings of low-temperature sensitive Phaseolus vulgaris variety ‘Genoa’ were used in this study as experimental materials. The experimental groups consisted of six categories: the control group maintained at normal temperature (CK), the group subjected to low temperature treatment (LT), and ABA solution groups with concentrations of 10 mg/L (T₁₀), 20 mg/L (T₂₀), 30 mg/L (T₃₀), and 40 mg/L (T₄₀) respectively. The seedlings in the ABA solution treated group were then subjected to low temperature stress. The growth and physiological indexes of the 6 groups of Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings were measured. The results demonstrated that under T₁₀ treatment, the growth index of bean seedlings reached its peak. Furthermore, compared to the LT group, plant height, root length, stem diameter, and leaf area in the T₁₀ group were increased significantly by 48.47%, 43.46%, 73.20%, and 65.69% respectively. Additionally, ABA spray reduced electrolyte permeability in bean seedlings under low temperature stress while enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes POD and SOD. This led to clearance of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide anion radical (O₂^-), and soluble protein content. Moreover, ABA application protected the cell membrane structure of bean seedlings while improving their photosynthetic performance under low temperature stress. In conclusion, an appropriate concentration of ABA can promote the growth and development of bean seedlings under conditions of low temperature stress.