Beans

Beans

At Urban Farmer we supply several bean varieties that work for gardeners to small farm market growers. We trial all bean varieties and select only the best-tasting, most attractive, and best producing bean plants. Choose from bush beans, pole beans, lima beans, runner beans, shelling beans and stringless beans. Beans come in a variety of maturity dates, colors, shapes, sizes and taste!

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How to Grow Beans

The Colorful Garden Blend is a beautiful and delicious mix of green, purple and yellow garden beans. A fun way to grow a beautiful mixture of garden beans. This gourmet blend is excellent for fresh eating and canning. All bush varieties that are high yielding and mature around the same time! Even mix of Slenderette, Royal Burgundy Purple and Cherokee Wax.

Navy beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris, are small, oval-shaped beans that are a popular and versatile member of the legume family. They are often referred to as navy beans due to their association with the United States Navy, where they were a staple food for sailors in the 19th century. These beans have a rich history dating back to ancient times when they were cultivated by indigenous peoples in the Americas. They were later introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers and became an essential part of global cuisine. Navy beans have a mild, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. They are known for their ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with, making them a favorite in soups, stews, and baked bean dishes. These beans are typically small, about half an inch in length, and are usually white or off-white in color, although there are variations with speckled or colored coats. In terms of plant characteristics, navy bean plants are relatively compact, reaching a height of about 18 to 24 inches. They have a bushy growth habit and produce small, white or lavender flowers before developing pods that contain the beans. Navy beans typically take around 80 to 90 days to reach maturity, making them a relatively quick-growing crop. They thrive in well-drained soil with good moisture retention and prefer full sun for optimal growth. Adequate spacing and support may be needed to ensure healthy plant development, and they are generally grown as annuals in most regions.

The Mountaineer White Half Runner is a tender half runner bean with succulent white seeds. It boasts terrific yields of old-fashioned, rich "beany" beans that taste and smell terrific. Vigorous plants, big yields. Stringless when young, excellent for baking.

Envy is an early harvesting edamame for shorter growing seasons. Envy produces erect bush bean plants that reach about two feet in height and produce pods each containing two to three green seeds. Edamame is a popular snack in Japan, served with beer. Due to its health benefits that other snacks do not provide, it is becoming popular in the United States.

Dark Red Kidney beans are one of the most widely used beans in North America! Dark Red Kidney is a bush variety of dried bean. Each pod contains 5 large, red kidney shaped beans. If rain threatens before your beans are totally dry, pull the whole plant up, hang upside down in your barn/garage to let them finish drying. Once dry, these beans will store for a long time! This bean is often used in Mexican food.A perfect winter food full of protein straight from your own garden.

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.

A gourmet, dwarf French filet bean well suited for container gardens or rows. Cooks appreciate the elegance of these petite, slim beans of consistent quality. Considered one of the best flavored beans that stay tender for several days after harvest. Suitable for small space gardens.

Contender beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender,' are a popular variety of green snap beans that have a rich history and are prized by gardeners for their excellent flavor and productivity. Originating from the United States, Contender beans have been a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers for many decades. This heirloom variety was first introduced in the 1940s and has since become a classic choice for those looking to cultivate delicious and reliable green beans. Contender beans typically produce uniform, straight pods that range in size from 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) in length. The pods are slender and tender, making them ideal for fresh consumption, canning, or freezing. The plants themselves are compact and bushy, reaching a height of about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), which makes them well-suited for smaller garden spaces or container gardening. In terms of maturity, Contender beans are known for their relatively quick growth. They typically reach maturity in approximately 50 to 55 days after planting. These beans thrive in full sun and well-drained soil with good organic matter content. They are relatively easy to grow and require regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture. Contender beans are a favorite among gardeners for their reliability, versatility, and the delectable taste of their tender green pods.

The Blue Lake FM-1K Pole is a stringless pole bean that is very tasty! Blue Lake beans are known for reliability, disease resistance, flavor and high yields. This is the pole version of the popular bush type that is widely planted for the canning industry. These bright green beans are straight and reach up to 7'. Perfect for those who are tired of bending over to pick beans, but still want the high yield of a bush bean.

Garbanzo beans are great for making homemade hummus. This unique heirloom variety produces delicious beans. Perfect for hummus and other Middle Eastern dishes. Also great for sprouting as well. Grow for a week and eat entire plant. Very nutritious! Contains vitamin A, C, calcium, iron and magnesium. Also known as chickpea. If using for sprouting they will be ready in 3-5 days.

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.

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.

Blue Lake 274 is a popular variety of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) known for its exceptional taste and reliable performance in home gardens and commercial agriculture. This cultivar has a rich history, tracing its origins back to the Blue Lake region in California. Blue Lake 274 beans are beloved for their tender, crisp texture and sweet, earthy flavor, making them a favorite among gardeners and consumers alike. The Blue Lake 274 bean plant typically grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches, with a bushy, compact habit that makes it suitable for both garden beds and containers. It is classified as a bush bean, which means it doesn't require trellising or support structures. This variety is known for its relatively quick maturity, typically taking about 55 to 60 days from planting to harvest. The pods of Blue Lake 274 are long and slender, usually reaching a length of 6 to 7 inches. They are a vibrant green color and are prized for their straightness and uniformity. Blue Lake 274 beans exhibit resistance to common bean diseases such as bean mosaic virus and bean common mosaic virus, which contributes to their reliability and yield consistency. Speaking of yield, you can expect a bountiful harvest from this variety, with each row typically producing around 8 to 10 pounds of beans. For optimal growth, Blue Lake 274 beans thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. Plant them in rows with spacing of approximately 18 to 24 inches between plants. They require full sun exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours a day and should be watered consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. With the right care and conditions, Blue Lake 274 beans are sure to provide a delicious and productive addition to your garden.

Elegance beans are a refined and attractive variety of pole beans, known for their impressive combination of visual appeal and superb flavor. These beans produce long, slender pods that typically measure 6 to 8 inches in length, featuring a rich green color and a smooth, glossy texture. The plants are characterized by their vigorous growth and high productivity, with a climbing habit that benefits from sturdy supports like trellises or poles. Elegance beans are renowned for their tender, crisp texture and mildly sweet taste, making them ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or sautéing. They are also noted for their disease resistance and adaptability to various growing conditions, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. With their elegant appearance and exceptional culinary qualities, Elegance beans are a popular choice among gardeners looking to add both beauty and flavor to their harvest.

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.

Bayo beans (Frijol Bayo) are a popular heirloom variety in Mexican cuisine, known for their creamy texture and mild, earthy flavor. These small, tan-colored beans with subtle speckling are prized for their versatility, often used in a variety of dishes like soups, stews, and refried beans. Their smooth consistency when cooked makes them ideal for creating hearty, comforting meals, and they hold up well in both traditional Mexican fare and more contemporary recipes. Bayo beans thrive in warm climates with well-drained soil and are particularly appreciated for their drought tolerance and resilience in the field. As an open-pollinated variety, Bayo beans are excellent for sustainable farming practices and seed-saving, allowing farmers and gardeners to preserve this rich agricultural tradition. These beans are not only a staple in many homes but also an essential part of Mexico’s agricultural and culinary heritage.

Strike beans are one of the heaviest yielding bush beans on the market. Continuous setting feature protects grower from stress, better than concentrated set types. Medium green, 5" round pod with good disease tolerance. Excellent flavor that is very popular with commercial growers.

Henderson Lima beans, often referred to as Henderson's Bush Beans, are a renowned heirloom variety with a rich history and notable characteristics. Originating in the early 20th century, these beans were developed by the Henderson Seed Company, a notable seed supplier based in the United States. Henderson beans are appreciated for their compact, bushy growth habit, making them well-suited for smaller gardens or container planting. The plants typically reach about 18 to 24 inches in height, which allows for easy management and harvesting without the need for extensive staking or trellising. The beans are characterized by their smooth, green pods and are known for their tender texture and sweet, mild flavor. The pods are generally harvested when they are young and firm, usually in mid to late summer, to ensure the best taste and quality. Henderson beans are valued for their consistent productivity and disease resistance, which contribute to a reliable harvest. With their appealing flavor, compact growth habit, and dependable performance, Henderson beans remain a popular choice among home gardeners seeking a high-quality, easy-to-grow bean variety.