BEAN
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BEAN

Category Designations and seeding specifications: OP = Open Pollinated;  H=HybridDRY 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).

For plant information and cultivation instructions, see PLANT INFORMATION AND CULTIVATION  below.



1500 Year Old
        Cave Bean1500 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   $34.50 /   1 lb.


Aztec Half Runner beanAztec 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 bean
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 bean  Black Turtle (95 Days) DRY BEAN;   BUSH BEAN;   Black beans used for soups.  Delicious!
#3442   Packet  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-3442   Bulk Seed   $12.59 /   1 lb.
#B2-3442   Bulk Seed   $23.00 /   2 lbs.
#B10-3442   Bulk Seed   $108.00 /   10 lbs.


Blue Lake
        bean  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  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-206   Bulk Seed   $9.59 /   1 lb.
#B2-206   Bulk Seed   $15.59 /   2 lbs.
#B10-206   Bulk Seed   $67.20 /   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  $3.50  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  $3.50  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
        beanCanellini (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 beanCarr 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 Corn Field beanCherokee 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 Greasy Bean (72 days)  HEIRLOOM. RARE - OP;  SNAP BEAN;   POLE BEAN;   4 inch pods filled with 7-10 beans used primarily as a shell or dried bean. An Appalachian specialty, they are called 'greasy' because the shiny pods have a slick appearance and when cooked as a snap bean, have a greasy look to them. Great tasting and well worth the raising. Pole type plants.
#12568   Packet  $5.00   Approximately 20 seeds


Cherokee Wax bean  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  $3.50  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 bean  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 beansStringless and disease resistant.  Great for canning, freezing, or eating fresh.
#1285   Packet  $3.50  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
        BeanCranberry (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 Bush bean Snap bean pods    Derby (57 days)  H -  SNAP BEAN;   BUSH BEAN;   Very tender straight 7 inch pods.
#3457   Packet  $3.50  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.


Fordhook 242 Lima   The standard for limas, Fordhook bears early with large white seeds. AAS winner. 3-1/2" pods, 3-4 seeds per pod.  Bush habit.
#4804   Packet  $3.50  Approximately 25 seeds
#B1-4804   Bulk Seed   $8.50 /   1 lb.
#B2-4804   Bulk Seed   $16.00 /   2 lbs.



Great Northern bean  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  $3.50  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  $3.50  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 beanIndian 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 bean  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 beanJacob'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 beanJade (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  $3.50  Approximately 25 seeds
#B1-2440   Bulk Seed   $11.25 /   1 lb.
#B2-2440   Bulk Seed   $20.00 /   2 lbs.
#B10-2440   Bulk Seed   $95.00 /   10 lbs.


Japanese Soybean  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  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds


Kentucky Wonder bean  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  $3.50  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 bean  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  $3.50  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 bean  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  $3.50  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 Introduced commercially in 1912. Drought tolerant.
#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 BeanMagpie (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 beanMaine 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
        bean  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 Bean  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


Navy Bean  Small white oval beans cook without becoming mushy. Used onboard ships, sailors gave the variety its name. Pole bean habit - must be trellised. High yields.
#12344   Packet  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-12344   Bulk Seed   $8.50 /   1 lb.
#B2-12344   Bulk Seed   $16.50 /   2 lbs.



Nez Perce
        BeanNez 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 beanOdawa (80-100 days)  HEIRLOOM, RARE - OP;   DRY BEAN;   Pretty tan and white variety from the Odawa nation.
#502   Packet  $3.50  Approximately 20 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 bean  Pinto (90 days) HEIRLOOM - OP;   DRY BEAN;   HALF RUNNER;   Staple bean for Mexican dishes.  Buff-colored beans with darker brown markings.
#860   Packet  $3.50  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.


Provider  -  Excellent early and cool weather type. Germinates in cool soil and very adaptable to soil types. Yields of 5-1/2" crisp green pods are high. Great for eating fresh, freezing or canning or for fresh markets and shipping.
#5278   Packet  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-5278   Bulk Seed   $9.59 /   1 lb.
#B2-5278   Bulk Seed   $15.59 /   2 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.


Kidney
        bean   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  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-1383   Bulk Seed   $9.59 /   1 lb.
#B2-1383   Bulk Seed   $17.00 /   2 lbs.
#B10-1383   Bulk Seed   $60.19 /   10 lbs.


Roma bean  Roma (53 days)  OP;  SNAP BEAN;   BUSH BEAN;   Flat Italian type with high yields.  Good freezer bean.
#1266   Packet  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-1266   Bulk Seed   $9.59 /   1 lb.
#B2-1266   Bulk Seed   $17.00 /   2 lbs.
#B10-1266   Bulk Seed   $77.00 /   10 lbs.


Romano bean  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  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-209   Bulk Seed   $10.50 /   1 lb.
#B2-209   Bulk Seed   $15.59 /   2 lbs.
#B10-209   Bulk Seed   $70.50 /   10 lbs.


Royal
        Purple beanRoyal 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  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds


Sadies
        Horse beanSadie'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 beanScarlet 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 ornamentalVines 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



Slenderette  -  Dark glossy green snap beans with tender white beans. 5inch pods. Bears heavily. Bush habit.
#1169  Packet  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-1169     Bulk seed     1lb   $9.50
#B2-1169     Bulk seed     2 lbs.   $15.50



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
        bean  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 podsHigh yields.  Perfect for canning or eating fresh.
#861   Packet  $3.50  Approximately 50 seeds
#B1-861   Bulk Seed   $10.50 /   1 lb.
#B2-861   Bulk Seed   $19.50 /   2 lbs.
#B10-861   Bulk Seed   $95.00 /   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

PLANT INFORMATION AND CULTIVATION

Beans constitute one of the largest vegetable food crops with an extensive and widespread culture.  They are used as a green vegetable, and are very valuable as a dried crop or for freezing or canning. The general classifications of different types of beans are String or Snap beans, Shell beans, Lima beans, Soy beans, Broad or Fava beans.  Most belong to the genus Phaseolus, with many other plants referred to as 'bean' from other classifications, such as Mucuna ( velvet bean) and Jack beans.  Most beans require warm weather for best production, though the Broad bean prefers a cooler climate for production.

String or green beans, the most popular types in the United States, are available in bush or pole varietiesRunner beans are long trailing types. 

Beans should be grown in soil that has a  pH of 6.0 and is well drained or above for best results. Propagation is performed by planting seeds directly into prepared garden soil  Sow seeds when soil temperature does not fall below 60F.  Generous amount of compost or well rotted manure can be added to the soil to increase soil fertility.  HILL METHOD:  Plant 3-6 seeds every 18-24inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.  Cover seed to a depth of 1 inch.  ROW METHOD:  Plant 1 seed every 3-6 inches in rows 18-24 inches apart.  Cover seed to a depth of 1 inch.  POLE VARIETIES:  Pole varieties will need some sort of support for best production.  A trellis, fence or poles are placed along the row for the beans to climb on.   BROAD or FAVA BEANS:  Plant broad beans as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring.  Sow 3-4 seeds every 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart. 

HARVESTSTRING BEANS: Pick string or green varieties when the pods are beginning to fill.  Pick regularly to encourage greater production.   SOY BEANS: For eating green, pick when the pods are just beginning to turn yellow.  Boil or steam for 5 min for eating or freeze for storage.  FOR DRY BEANS: Pick pods when the leaves on the plants have mostly fallen and the pods are dry.  Thresh by shelling the beans from the pods or placing a bunch of dry pods in a pillowcase, then hitting it against the ground or by stepping on it to crush the pods (this will leave the beans intact) 

MEDCINAL USES:  Green pods are said to reduce blood sugar and dried pods are used to treat diabetes.  Seed can be ground into flour to treat ulcers.

POTENTIAL TOXINS:  Some types of raw beans, red kidney beans being the worst offender, contain lectins, a tasteless toxin that must be removed by cooking.  Lectins are found in the seed coating. It is thought that plant lectins evolved to protect the seed from predators and ensure their survival.  Many people are very sensitive to them.  Negative effects of lectins can include skin rashes, joint pain and inflammation, nausea and diarrhea.  For this reason, red kidney beans should never be eaten as sprouts, but always cooked thoroughly.

SAVING SEED OF OPEN POLLINATED TYPES:  Harvest dry seed as above, then store the seed in jars or sealed containers in a cool dry place.

SEED SPECS : See Category Designations and seeding specifications above.


Soil Temperature
        for planting bean 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;
TIPS: Seed VIABILITY - LONGEVITY
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
Peanut 70 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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