Beans

Fava Broad Windsor beans, also known as Vicia faba 'Broad Windsor,' are a classic heirloom variety with a storied history and a range of notable characteristics. Originating in the United Kingdom, this variety has been cultivated for centuries and is particularly valued for its large, hearty beans and reliable yield. The plants are characterized by their robust growth habit, reaching heights of 24 to 36 inches, with broad, dark green leaves and striking white flowers often tinged with purple. The beans themselves are large and plump, typically encased in thick, protective pods that turn from green to a rich brown as they mature. Fava Broad Windsor beans are known for their creamy, slightly nutty flavor, which becomes more pronounced when the beans are cooked. The plants generally bloom in late spring to early summer, and the beans are usually harvested about 80 to 90 days after sowing. They thrive in cool, well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. The robust nature of the plants and their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil make them a valuable crop for improving soil fertility in rotation systems. With their rich flavor, historical significance, and agronomic benefits, Fava Broad Windsor beans are a cherished choice for both traditional and modern gardens.

The Taylor Dwarf Horticulture Bean, also known as the Taylor Horticulture Bean or simply Taylor Dwarf Bean, is a popular heirloom bean variety prized for its delicious flavor and historical significance. This bean variety has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century in the United States. It is a bush-type bean, which means it grows in a compact, bushy form rather than climbing like pole beans. Taylor Dwarf Horticulture Beans are highly regarded for their superb taste, which is characterized by a creamy texture and a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. The beans are typically harvested when they are young and tender, making them ideal for fresh consumption or canning. The pods of the Taylor Dwarf Horticulture Bean are medium-sized and typically measure around 4-5 inches in length. The plants themselves are relatively small and bushy, reaching a height of about 18-24 inches, which makes them suitable for smaller gardens or container gardening. This variety has a relatively short maturity period, typically taking around 55-60 days from planting to harvest. The beans themselves are a pale cream or off-white color. Taylor Dwarf Horticulture Beans are known for their good disease resistance, which helps ensure a healthy crop. In terms of yield, you can expect a respectable harvest of beans per row, with each plant producing multiple pods. Proper spacing between plants should be around 4-6 inches apart in rows that are spaced about 18-24 inches apart. These beans thrive in well-drained soil with good organic matter content and prefer full sun for optimal growth. Adequate moisture and regular harvesting will help ensure a bountiful crop of these delicious and historically significant beans.

Jackson Wonder bush lima beans are a treasured heirloom variety with deep roots in Southern agriculture, particularly celebrated in the early 20th century. Known for their compact, bush-type growth habit, these beans typically reach heights of 18 to 24 inches, making them ideal for small gardens and easy to manage without support. The beans are characterized by their creamy white color, often with subtle greenish hues, and they grow in smooth, straight pods. Renowned for their rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture, Jackson Wonder beans are perfect for soups, stews, and as a delightful side dish. Harvesting typically occurs in mid to late summer when the pods are plump and the beans are fully developed but still tender. These plants are vigorous and produce a high yield, thriving in well-drained soil with ample sunlight, while also exhibiting resilience against common pests and diseases. With their delicious taste and reliable productivity, Jackson Wonder bush lima beans remain a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.

Amarillo beans (Frijol Amarillo) are a beloved heirloom variety in Mexican cuisine, known for their golden-yellow color and slightly sweet, earthy flavor. These beans are medium-sized, with a smooth texture that makes them perfect for use in a variety of traditional dishes, such as stews, soups, and frijoles de la olla. Their subtle flavor and creamy consistency when cooked make them a versatile ingredient in both savory and vegetarian meals. Grown primarily in the central and southern regions of Mexico, Amarillo beans are well-suited to a range of climates and soil types, offering resilience and a reliable yield. As an open-pollinated variety, they are ideal for sustainable farming practices and seed-saving, ensuring that this flavorful and nutritious bean continues to play an essential role in both Mexican agriculture and cuisine.

Pink Half Runner bean seeds produce a traditional Appalachian favorite known for its tender pods and flavorful pink-mottled seeds. These beans grow as semi-vining plants—hence the term "half runner"—which means they can be grown with or without support, though a short trellis or fence can improve yields and ease of harvest. The pods are medium-length, stringy when mature, and typically harvested young for snap beans or allowed to mature for shelling or dry use. Pink Half Runners are celebrated for their rich, old-fashioned flavor, making them ideal for slow-cooked dishes and canning. Adaptable and prolific, they perform well in a range of growing conditions and continue to be a cherished staple in many Southern gardens.

Whiskey Mountain bean seeds produce a rare and distinctive heirloom pole bean known for its vigorous growth, striking appearance, and excellent flavor. The plants climb tall and robustly, requiring support, and yield long, tender pods that can be enjoyed as fresh snap beans or allowed to mature into colorful dry beans. The dry beans often feature unique markings and a rich, earthy taste that makes them ideal for soups and stews. Named after the scenic Whiskey Mountain region, this variety is valued for both its resilience in diverse growing conditions and its ornamental appeal in the garden. With its combination of beauty, hardiness, and culinary versatility, Whiskey Mountain is a treasured choice for gardeners seeking something special.

Quicksilver Mountain bean seeds grow into a vigorous pole bean variety prized for its elegant, silver-speckled dry beans and reliable performance in the garden. The tall, climbing vines produce long, slender green pods that can be harvested young as tender snap beans or left to mature into striking dry beans with a smooth, pale base marked by silvery patterns. Known for their creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor when cooked, Quicksilver Mountain beans are ideal for hearty dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles. This variety thrives in full sun with support from a trellis or pole structure and is favored by gardeners for both its visual appeal and culinary quality.

Fordhook 242 beans are a popular variety of lima beans known for their smooth texture and rich, buttery flavor. These beans are characterized by their large, flat, greenish seeds that mature to a creamy, pale yellow when harvested. The Fordhook 242 variety is prized for its resilience and productivity, thriving in both home gardens and larger agricultural settings. With a growing season of about 70 to 80 days, these beans are often used in a wide range of culinary dishes, from soups and stews to side dishes and casseroles. Their versatility, coupled with their excellent taste, makes them a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.

Calypso bean seeds, also known as "Yin Yang" beans for their striking black-and-white pattern, produce compact bush plants that typically grow 15 to 20 inches tall. These heirloom beans mature in about 70 to 90 days and are cherished for their creamy texture and mild, earthy flavor, making them ideal for soups, stews, and salads. Calypso beans are easy to grow, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, and they offer good drought tolerance. Their unique appearance and reliable performance make them a favorite among gardeners and heirloom seed enthusiasts alike.

The Hidatsa Shield bean, an heirloom variety with deep cultural roots, traces its origins to the Hidatsa people of the northern Great Plains in the United States. This ancient cultivar was cherished for its hardiness and flavor, embodying a vital part of the Hidatsa diet for centuries. The bean is named for its distinctive shield-shaped markings, which can range from mottled browns and reds to purples, giving it a striking appearance. Its flavor profile is noted for a rich, nutty taste with a creamy texture, making it a favored choice in various traditional dishes. The plant itself is a vigorous climber, known for its adaptability to different soil types and growing conditions. It typically blooms in mid-summer, producing small, pale flowers before setting pods that are ready for harvest in late summer or early fall. The Hidatsa Shield bean's resilience and ease of cultivation, coupled with its historical significance, continue to make it a valued crop among gardeners and food enthusiasts.

Jacob’s Cattle Gold bean seeds produce robust bush plants that grow to about 18 to 24 inches tall and mature in approximately 85 to 95 days. A golden-hued variant of the traditional Jacob’s Cattle bean, this heirloom variety features beautiful tan seeds with maroon speckles and splashes. Renowned for their creamy texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor, Jacob’s Cattle Gold beans are ideal for baking, soups, and slow-cooked dishes. They perform well in a range of garden soils, thrive in full sun, and offer consistent yields, making them a favorite among home gardeners and heirloom collectors.

The Eastland bean, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris 'Eastland,' is a popular variety of bush bean that hails from the United States. It is highly esteemed for its exceptional taste and ease of cultivation. Eastland beans belong to the family Fabaceae and are a warm-season crop commonly grown in gardens and small-scale farms. In terms of taste, Eastland beans are celebrated for their tender, crisp texture and rich, earthy flavor. They are a delight to eat both raw and cooked. The pods of Eastland beans are of medium size, typically measuring around 4-5 inches in length. The plants themselves are compact and bushy, making them suitable for smaller gardens and spaces. These beans have a relatively short maturity period, typically taking around 70-75 days from planting to harvest. The beans are known for their vibrant green color, making them visually appealing as well. Eastland beans are generally resistant to common bean diseases such as bean mosaic virus and rust. They are known to provide a good yield per acre, often ranging from 800 to 1,200 pounds of beans per acre, depending on growing conditions and care. Proper spacing is crucial for their growth, with plants typically spaced 3-4 inches apart in rows that are about 18-24 inches apart. These beans thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and require regular watering to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. Overall, Eastland beans are a favorite among gardeners and farmers for their taste, disease resistance, and relatively quick harvest time.

Cherokee Wax beans, also known as Cherokee Yellow Wax beans, are a popular variety of bush beans cherished for their vibrant appearance and delicious flavor. These beans are believed to have originated from the Native American Cherokee tribe, hence their name. Cherokee Wax beans are a warm-season vegetable that thrives in various climates, making them a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Cherokee Wax beans are known for their exceptional taste, boasting a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a tender and crisp texture. They are a type of bush bean, which means they grow as compact, bushy plants that don't require support structures. The pods of Cherokee Wax beans typically measure around 5 to 6 inches in length and have a bright yellow color. These beans have a relatively short time to maturity, usually taking about 50-55 days from planting to harvest. They are highly productive, yielding an impressive quantity of beans per 10-foot row. In terms of growing conditions, Cherokee Wax beans thrive in well-draining soil that receives full sun exposure. They require spacing of about 3-4 inches between plants and should be sown in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Cherokee Wax beans are generally disease-resistant, with some varieties exhibiting resistance to common bean diseases like rust and mosaic virus. With proper care and regular harvesting, these beans can provide a bountiful and delicious addition to your garden or dinner table.

Scarlet Runner beans are a striking heirloom variety with a rich history that traces back to indigenous cultures in Central and South America. Introduced to Europe in the 17th century, these beans quickly gained popularity for both their ornamental beauty and culinary qualities. Characterized by their vigorous growth habit, Scarlet Runner plants can climb up to 10 feet or more, making them ideal for trellises or fences. The most notable feature of this variety is its vibrant scarlet flowers, which attract pollinators and add a stunning visual appeal to gardens. The pods are long and flat, typically green, maturing to a reddish hue, and are best harvested while still young and tender. Known for their rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture, Scarlet Runner beans are delicious in a variety of dishes, from stews to salads. Harvesting usually occurs in late summer to early fall, ensuring that the beans are picked before they dry out. With their ornamental charm, exceptional taste, and high productivity, Scarlet Runner beans remain a beloved choice for gardeners looking to combine beauty with culinary excellence.

Our soup blend allows you to grow your own delicious bean soup. Our "Bean Soup" seed blend is equal blends of Vermont Cranberry Shell, Blackeye #5, Light Red Kidney, Dark Red Kidney, Pinto and Navy bean seeds. This combination creates a rich and creamy bean soup that is a delight to eat!

Greencrop beans are a classic heirloom variety renowned for their distinctive features and reliable performance. Originating in the early 20th century, this variety has been favored by gardeners for its robust growth and high productivity. Greencrop beans are characterized by their striking green color, smooth texture, and uniform shape. The plants are typically bush-type, reaching a height of about 18 to 24 inches, which makes them suitable for smaller garden spaces and easier to manage without extensive staking. The beans themselves are known for their crisp and tender texture, combined with a mildly sweet and fresh flavor that enhances a variety of dishes. Harvesting is best done when the pods are young and firm, usually in mid to late summer, to ensure optimal taste and texture. Greencrop beans are valued for their high yield and resistance to common diseases, making them a dependable choice for both home gardeners and market growers. With their appealing flavor, compact growth habit, and consistent performance, Greencrop beans remain a popular and practical selection for vegetable gardens.

Chivo Blanco beans (Frijol Chivo Blanco) are a cherished heirloom variety native to Mexico, known for their small, white, and slightly oval-shaped beans. These beans are valued for their creamy texture and delicate flavor, making them perfect for a wide range of traditional Mexican dishes such as soups, stews, and frijoles de la olla (beans in a pot). The name "Chivo Blanco" refers to their smooth, pale appearance, and they are often praised for their ability to cook quickly and absorb seasonings well. Grown primarily in the central and southern regions of Mexico, Chivo Blanco beans are resilient to various growing conditions, thriving in both temperate and semi-arid climates. As an open-pollinated variety, they are ideal for sustainable farming and seed-saving, helping to preserve the rich agricultural heritage of Mexico while offering a reliable, nutritious source of protein for many households.

Royal Burgundy beans, also known as purple bush beans, are a unique and visually striking variety of Phaseolus vulgaris, the common garden bean. These beans have a rich history dating back centuries, with their origins believed to be in Central and South America, where indigenous peoples cultivated various types of beans. The name "Royal Burgundy" reflects their regal appearance, as the pods and beans are a deep, royal purple color. They gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and have since become a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike. In terms of taste, Royal Burgundy beans offer a mild, slightly nutty flavor that is reminiscent of traditional green beans. However, their vibrant purple color adds a striking visual element to dishes, making them a popular choice for salads and garnishes. The pods are typically around 4-6 inches in length and are harvested when they are young and tender, before the seeds inside fully develop. Royal Burgundy bean plants are compact and bushy in nature, making them well-suited for smaller gardens and containers. They typically reach a height of about 18-24 inches. These beans are known for their relatively quick maturity, with most varieties ready for harvest in approximately 50-60 days after planting. Their vibrant purple color is not only appealing but also serves as a natural indicator of freshness. Royal Burgundy beans exhibit good resistance to common bean diseases such as bean mosaic virus and rust. When properly cared for, these plants can yield a bountiful harvest. Yields can vary, but on average, you can expect a productive harvest of 2-3 pounds of beans per plant. Plant spacing should be around 2-4 inches apart in rows that are spaced about 18-24 inches apart. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and regular watering, making them a relatively easy and rewarding addition to any vegetable garden.