Catagory Designations and seeding specifications: OP = Open Pollinated; H=Hybrid; DRY BEAN = Good variety for dried storage, usually larger seeds; (these average 800 seeds per pound for bush varieties to 1400 seeds per pound for pole varieties). SNAP BEAN = Good variety to eat with the pods, harvested for food at earlier stages, bean in pod is commonly stored by freezing, canning, or pickling, seeds for planting are dried for storage and removed from pod; subdesignation of this catagory is: STRINGLESS; MULTIPURPOSE BEAN = (of course they all are), but some are very good varieties to grow for either use ie. snap or dry. POLE BEAN = Plant tends to shoot off vining branches that are longer and climbing, usually seed is smaller. BUSH BEAN = Plants grow with closer branches, often preferred for earlier planting in colder zones, and for machine harvesting. HALF-RUNNER = The varieties that cross the bush and pole designations. BROAD BEAN = Larger beans with tougher bean structures; (average 275 seeds per pound). LIMA BEAN & FAVA BEAN also fall under this designation; (average 400 seeds per pound).
1500 Year Old
Cave Bean (80-90 days) HEIRLOOM. RARE - OP; SNAP BEAN;
POLE BEAN; An
ancestor of the Anasazi bean, this is an offshoot of a variety
discovered
in a New Mexico cave that was carbon-dated to 1500 years. The
plant
has white flowers that mature into crisp, tender green beans.
Vines
can reach 10ft. in length.
| #510 Packet $7.50 Approximately 20 seeds |
|
Anasazi (85 days) HEIRLOOM, RARE.- OP; DRY
BEAN; Rare variety found in the Anasazi ruins near Mesa Verde,
Colorado. Red
& white bean, excellent for drying.
| #202 Packet $5.50 Approximately 20 seeds |
|
Aquadulce (75-80 days) HEIRLOOM.
RARE.
POLE BEAN - OP; BROAD BEAN; 19th century Spanish variety
of Fava bean producing large tan seeds.
| #519 Packet $3.50 Approximately 25 seeds |
|
Asparagus Bean (Yard Long) 75 Days
- SNAP BEAN; POLE BEAN; Super-long
15in. pods with the flavor of asparagus. Tender beans.
| #3443 Packet $3.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-3443 Bulk Seed $25.00 / 1 lb. |
|
Aztec
Half-Runner (60-75 days) HEIRLOOM. RARE - OP; DRY
BEAN; HALF-RUNNER; From
the Anasazi. Large white beans make an excellent soup. 4-5
inch pods.
| #514 Packet $3.50 Approximately 10 seeds |
|
Black Coco (60 days) HEIRLOOM, RARE -
OP; SNAP BEAN; BUSH BEAN; Rare heirloom
variety that has pretty pink blooms that mature
into a delicious snap bean with a vague coco taste. Vigorous
plants.
| #504 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Black Kabouli GARBANZO BEAN - (95-105 days) OP - From the Middle
East, this black
seeded type is said to attract thunderstorms when blooming.
| #520 Packet $3.50 Approximately 20 seeds |
|
Black Turtle (95 Days) DRY BEAN; BUSH BEAN; Black
beans used for soups. Delicious!
| #3442 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-3442 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-3442 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-3442 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Blue Lake (BUSH)(75-80 days) HEIRLOOM - OP; SNAP BEAN;
BUSH BEAN; This old favorite is a heavy producer
with loads of long green beans with round pods. Excellent for canning
or
freezing.
| #206 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-206 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-206 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-206 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Blue Lake Stringless Pole (60 Days)
OP - SNAP BEAN; POLE BEAN; STRINGLESS; Green
pods and firm white beans make this an excellent canning, freezing
or fresh variety. 6 inch pods.
| #1206 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-1206 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-1206 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-1206 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Broad Windsor (85 days) BUSH BEAN -
OP; BROAD BEAN; Produces excellently in cool
climates. 3-5 inch pods. Heavy
yields.
| #1171 Packet $2.50 Approximately 25 seeds |
|
| #B1-1171 Bulk seed 1lb $8.99 |
|
| #B2-1171 Bulk seed 2lbs. $14.59 |
|
| #B10-1171 Bulk seed 10 lbs. $50.19 |
|
Canellini (80-85 days) OP - DRY
BEAN; HALF-RUNNER; A favorite Italian variety used for
minestrone, this yummy large white bean can be traced to the
1820s
in the US. Productive even in cool weather.
| #515 Packet $3.50 Approximately 20 seeds |
|
Carr Virginia (75-85 days) ENDANGERED VARIETY
- OP; MULTIPURPOSE BEAN; BUSH BEAN; This variety was
brought from Virginia to Colorado in the late 1800s. This good short
season
variety grows well in high altitudes. Can be used as a snap bean or a
dry
bean.
| #203 Packet $9.50 Approximately 10 seeds |
|
Caseknife (65 days) HEIRLOOM - OP;
SNAP BEAN; POLE BEAN; STRINGLESS; This
is one of the oldest varieties of green beans in the US (dated to 1820)
and produces flat stringless 8 inch pods.
| #511 Packet $7.50 Approximately 15 seeds |
|
Chakrusga (140-160 days) HEIRLOOM.
RARE. POLE BEAN - OP. BROAD BEAN; Variety from
Bolivia, these tan Fava beans
pack a punch of flavor. Prolific and hardy.
| #518 Packet $3.50 Approximately 10 seeds |
|
Cherokee
Cornfield (65-90 days) HEIRLOOM. RARE - OP; SNAP BEAN;
POLE BEAN; Passed
down by the Cherokees in Tennessee, this is really a mix of varieties
traditionally
grown with corn, but does not produce as well if the varieties are
separated.
Lovely mix.
| #509 Packet $4.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Cherokee Wax (48 days) OP - SNAP BEAN; STRINGLESS;
Vigorous productive yellow wax variety is dependable,
with 6 inch long pods. Nearly stringless in all stages of
development.
| #862 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-862 Bulk Seed $10.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-862 Bulk Seed $16.99 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B8-862 Bulk Seed $50.99 / 8 lbs. |
|
Contender or Early Contender (49 days) OP - SNAP BEAN;
BUSH BEAN; STRINGLESS Excellent early variety
with long slender pods (6-8 inches) filled with tender white
beans.
Stringless and disease resistant. Great for canning, freezing, or
eating fresh.
| #1285 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-1285 Bulk seed $8.99 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-1285 Bulk seed $14.99 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-1285 Bulk seed $50.19 10 lbs. |
|
Cranberry (95 days) HEIRLOOM -
OP; DRY BEAN; BUSH BEAN; This Yankee heirloom looks
like a cranberry and dries to an excellent flavor.
| #681 Packet $8.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Derby
(57
days)
H - SNAP BEAN; BUSH BEAN; Very
tender straight 7 inch pods.
| #3457 Packet $2.50 Approximately 25 seeds |
|
| #B1-3457 Bulk Seed $18.25 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-3457 Bulk Seed $28.25 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-3457 Bulk Seed $119.25 / 10 lbs. |
|
Great Northern (White Marrow) - 80 days- HEIRLOOM -
OP; DRY BEAN; BUSH BEAN; Excellent
bean for baking or for soups. Heavy yields. Good cool
season
type.
| #1384 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-1384 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-1384 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-1384 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Henderson's Dwarf Butter (70 Days)
HEIRLOOM.
BUSH BEAN. OP - BROAD BEAN; This old favorite
produces buttery baby Lima beans
until frost. 3" long pods.
| #1092 Packet $2.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
| #B1-1092 Bulk seed 1lb $9.59 |
|
| #B2-1092 Bulk seed 2 lbs. $15.59 |
|
| #B10-1092 Bulk seed 10 lbs. $50.59 |
|
Indian Woman
(Yellow Squaw) (60-75 days) HEIRLOOM, RARE - OP; DRY BEAN;
This
rare sulfur yellow dry bean is great for soups and stews. Matures
early;
great for short seasons.
| #204 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Jack and the Beanstalk (80-85 days) HEIRLOOM - OP;
SNAP BEAN; POLE BEAN; Plant this
Polish heirloom and you'll see just how it got it's name: the
vines
can reach 20ft. long The beans taste best in the immature stage.
| #508 Packet $7.50 Approximately 10 seeds |
|
Jacob's Cattle
(80-100 days) HEIRLOOM - OP; DRY BEAN; BUSH BEAN;
This heirloom is
still a favorite in New England where it is used for soups and for
baking.
Dark purple markings on a white background makes this resemble a
Holstein
cow.
| #205 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Jade
(53 days) H - SNAP BEAN; BUSH BEAN; Long
slender 7 inch pods are dark green and filled
with tender pale green beans. High yields even when stressed by
heat
or cold.
| #2440 Packet $2.50 Approximately 25 seeds |
|
| #B1-2440 Bulk Seed $18.25 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-2440 Bulk Seed $28.25 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-2440 Bulk Seed $119.25 / 10 lbs. |
|
Japanese Soy or Tofu Bean, Edamame (75 days) OP - SOY BEAN Good
variety with
nice, solid beans. Do very well in cool climates and contain more
protein than limas or dry bean varieties. In Japan, they are
frequently
boiled in the pod and eaten with beer.
| #1267 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
Kentucky Wonder Bush (60 days) HEIRLOOM -OP; SNAP BEAN;
BUSH BEAN; Favorite string bean. Long
pods filled with tender white beans. Wonderful taste. Great for canning
or freezing.
| #207 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-207 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-207 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-207 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Kentucky Wonder Pole (60-65 days) HEIRLOOM - OP; SNAP
BEAN; POLE BEAN; This old favorite
was introduced in Kentucky in 1864 as Texas Pole, then re-introduced in
1877 with its present name. One of the most popular varieties
ever
in the US. Vigorous 5-7 foot vines with great taste.
| #513 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-513 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-513 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-513 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
King of the Garden (90 days) POLE BEAN - OP; BROAD
BEAN; This old favorite
has vigorous plants producing large yields over an extended
period.
Good for canning, freezing, or eating fresh. Flat 5 inch pods.
| #1177 Packet $2.50 Approximately 25 seeds |
|
| #B1-1177 Bulk seed 1lb $9.59 |
|
| #B2-1177 Bulk seed 2 lbs. $15.59 |
|
| #B10-1177 Bulk seed 10 lbs. $50.59 |
|
MacCaslan (65 days) MULTIPURPOSE
BEAN; POLE BEAN; All purpose bean has
8in. long round pods filled with meaty beans. Good choice
for
fresh snap beans or dry beans.
| #1271 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
| #B1-513 Bulk Seed $9.99 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-513 Bulk Seed $16.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-513 Bulk Seed $51.99 / 10 lbs. |
|
Magpie (60-65 days) HEIRLOOM, RARE -
OP; SNAP BEAN; BUSH BEAN; French variety
traced to the early 1900s. 7 inch pods are usually eaten raw or
steamed
lightly. Black and white markings.
| #506 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Maine Sunset (80
days) HEIRLOOM - OP; DRY BEAN; BUSH BEAN;
This fast-maturing
rare heirloom has white seeds with maroon spots. A dependable
producer.
| #498 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Maxibel (50 Days) SNAP BEAN; BUSH BEAN;
STRINGLESS; Very slender round French filet beans are firm
and delicious. Stringless 7in. pods with small brown mottled
seeds.
| #2598 Packet $4.50 Approximately 20 seeds |
|
Montezuma Red
(85-100 days) HEIRLOOM. RARE - OP; DRY BEAN; A
rare
heirloom from Mexico, this variety can be traced to the time of the
conquistadors.
Good baking bean as it keeps its shape.
| #501 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Nez Perce (80 days) HEIRLOOM, RARE -
OP; DRY BEAN; This variety
was maintained by the Denny family of Idaho for generations who believe
that the type originated with the Nez Perce tribe.
| #499 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Odawa (80-100 days) HEIRLOOM, RARE - OP;
DRY BEAN; Pretty tan and
white variety from the Odawa nation.
| #502 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Painted Lady (70-90 days) HEIRLOOM -
OP; MULTIPURPOSE BEAN; HALF-RUNNER; This
variety has been grown in England since 1596. The name refers
to Queen Elizabeth I, who, like many women of the Elizabethan era,
painted
her face with a concoction made of lead and chalk to whiten her
skin.
Blooms are bicolor, scarlet and white. Good producer. 8-10
inch pods.
| #516 Packet $3.50 Approximately 20 seeds |
|
Pinto (90 days) HEIRLOOM - OP; DRY BEAN; HALF
RUNNER; Staple bean for Mexican dishes.
Buff-colored beans with darker brown markings.
| #860 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-860 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-860 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-860 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Rattlesnake (85 days)
SNAP BEAN; POLE BEAN; Pretty heirloom with dark
green 7 inch pods streaked with purple
markings. Vigorous grower, often to 10 feet. Seeds are also streaked
with dark brown markings.
| #3963 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
| #B1-3963 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-3963 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
Red Kidney (100 days) HEIRLOOM - OP; DRY BEAN;
BUSH BEAN; Dry bean used for soups,
baking and canning. Large 6 inch pods with red beans.
| #1383 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-1383 Bulk Seed $8.99 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-1383 Bulk Seed $14.99 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-1383 Bulk Seed $50.19 / 10 lbs. |
|
Roma (53 days) OP; SNAP BEAN; BUSH BEAN; Flat
Italian type with high yields. Good
freezer bean.
| #1266 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-1266 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-1266 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-1266 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Romano (60-70 days) HEIRLOOM - OP; SNAP BEAN; POLE
BEAN; Delicious Italian heirloom. Long
flat pods chocked full of brown seed beans. Heavy yields.
| #209 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-209 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-209 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-209 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Royal Burgundy Purple
Pod (90 days) HEIRLOOM -OP; SNAP BEAN; POLE BEAN;
STRINGLESS; Bright purple
pods turn green when cooked. Stringless, round pods. Good
for
canning, freezing or eating fresh.
| #4051 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
Sadie's Horse (75-80
days) HEIRLOOM - OP; MULTIPURPOSE BEAN; Runner bean
with lovely
scarlet flowers can run up to 8 feet. Striking combinations of
maroon
and white, tan and brown, mottled, striped and specked on large
beans.
Very interesting.
| #517 Packet $7.50 Approximately 10 seeds |
|
Scarlet Runner (65
days) HEIRLOOM - OP; MULTIPURPOSE BEAN; Can be
traced to
1750. Multi-purpose bean that can be used as snaps, sliced beans,
shell beans, or as an ornamental. Vines can reach 15 feet in
length
and are covered with scarlet blooms. Seeds are large and are
speckled
purple, black and red.
| #523 Packet $3.50 Approximately 20 seeds |
|
Sieva or Carolina Butter Beans (80 days)
BROAD BEAN - OP; Early bearing variety of Baby Lima with good
cold
resistance.
3-1/2 inch pods.
| #1176 Packet $7.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
| #B1-1176 Bulk seed 1lb $17.59 |
|
| #B2-1176 Bulk seed 2 lbs. $25.59 |
|
| #B10-1176 Bulk seed 10 lbs. $70.59 |
|
Soldier (75-100 days) HEIRLOOM - OP;
DRY BEAN; BUSH BEAN; A hardy drought resistant
variety that produces very well and makes an
excellent soup bean. White with soldier-shaped marking.
| #503 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Sulphur (58 days) HEIRLOOM - OP;
SNAP BEAN; BUSH BEAN; Southern
favorite with a distinctive flavor. 4-5 inch pods. Heavy
yields.
| #1188 Packet $5.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
| #B1-1188 Bulk Seed $22.99 / 1 lb. |
|
Swedish Brown (85-95 days) HEIRLOOM
- OP; DRY BEAN; BUSH BEAN; This variety matures
early, is extremely productive, and is perfect
for short season areas. The light brown beans make delicious soup
beans.
| #497 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Top Crop (52 days) OP - SNAP BEAN; BUSH BEAN;
STRINGLESS; This early variety is disease resistant and
has vigorous plants 15-18 inches tall with 6-7 inch long nearly
stringless
pods. High yields. Perfect for canning or eating fresh.
| #861 Packet $2.50 Approximately 50 seeds |
|
| #B1-861 Bulk Seed $9.59 / 1 lb. |
|
| #B2-861 Bulk Seed $15.59 / 2 lbs. |
|
| #B10-861 Bulk Seed $50.59 / 10 lbs. |
|
Trail of Tears (65-85 days) HEIRLOOM
- OP; SNAP BEAN; POLE BEAN; Variety that
migrated west with the Cherokee nation on the
Trail of Tears. Slender purple pods with small black seeds.
| #512 Packet $3.50 Approximately 30 seeds |
|
Zane (60-70 days) HEIRLOOM - OP; SNAP
BEAN; BUSH BEAN; Variety orginating
in Virginia, maintained by the Counts family. Delicious small
white
beans are excellent for eating fresh or freezing.
| #507 Packet $8.50 Approximately 15 seeds |
|
There is great diversity in the bean varieties that we offer; which
makes the general information provided only valuable as adjustable
guidelines. This may also affect your seed planting and propagation
strategies and the germination rates under your planting conditions may
vary from the seed lot test results. The following soil temperature
data is for two types of bean in general. The first data set is for
broad beans, the second data set is for snap beans. Temperatures are
average daytime from planting to emergence. Percentage is average
germination rate. Days is number of days to emergence.
BROAD BEAN
50ºF x 1% x days; 59ºF x 52% x 31 days; 68ºF x 82% x 18
days; 77ºF x 90% x 7 days; 86ºF x 88% x 7 days; 95ºF x
2% x 7 days;
SNAP BEAN
50ºF x 1% x days; 59ºF x 97% x 16 days; 68ºF x 97% x 11
days; 77ºF x 97% x 8 days; 86ºF x 47% x 6 days; 95ºF x
39% x 6 days; 104ºF x 0% x 0 days;
We have handled seed for some flower species that are viable only for months, and we sell a bean variety that was propogated from seeds that evidence indicates had been stored for 1,500 years. The simple answer to the longevity question of saved seeds is to test the germination rate before planting. However, the question is still asked for caching purposes, and small scale needs of saving your own seed when testing is not practical. There are general guidelines such as the chart below, but the all important issues of harvest and storage methods are the operable issues here. First item in the chart is vegetable type. The second item is percentage germination rate minimums used to define viable seed for the test. Third item is relative longevity (as years). |
| Asparagus | 60 | 3 |
| Beans | 70 | 3 |
| Beets | 65 | 4 |
| Broccoli | 75 | 3 |
| Brussels sprouts | 70 | 4 |
| Cabbage | 75 | 4 |
| Cabbage, Chinese | 75 | 3 |
| Carrot | 55 | 3 |
| Cauliflower | 75 | 4 |
| Celeriac | 55 | 3 |
| Celery | 55 | 3 |
| Chard, Swiss | 65 | 4 |
| Chicory | 65 | 4 |
| Corn, sweet | 75 | 2 |
| Cucumber | 80 | 5 |
| Eggplant | 60 | 4 |
| Endive | 70 | 5 |
| Kale | 75 | 4 |
| Kohlrabi | 75 | 3 |
| Leek | 60 | 2 |
| Lettuce | 80 | 1 |
| Muskmelon | 75 | 5 |
| Okra | 50 | 2 |
| Onion | 70 | 1 |
| Parsley | 60 | 1 |
| Parsnip | 60 | 1 |
| Pea | 80 | 3 |
| Pepper | 55 | 2 |
| Pumpkin | 75 | 4 |
| Radish | 75 | 4 |
| Rutabaga | 75 | 4 |
| Spinach | 60 | 3 |
| Squash | 75 | 4 |
| Tomato | 75 | 4 |
| Turnip | 80 | 4 |
| Watermelon | 70 | 4 |
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