Beans

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.

The Pencil Pod Black Wax bean is a highly productive and long standing bush bean. Also known as 'Eastern Black Wax', these beans are bushy, vigorous, and resistant to rust and mosaic virus. The pods are golden color and grow to 5-7" long. A great all-purpose type, that is great fresh, canned, or frozen. As the name hints, the seeds are black.

This high-producing variety delivers an extended harvest period on tall, upright plants that are both strong and vigorous. It sets large, well-filled pods—typically containing three seeds each—with excellent flavor, especially when steamed. Known for its impressive yields, it outperforms comparable varieties while maintaining strong resistance to lodging. An indeterminate bush type with light tan pubescence, it offers both reliability and outstanding garden performance.

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.

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.

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 delicious buttery flavor of the Golden Wax Bush Bean make it a favorite among home gardeners! The stringless bright yellow pods are resistant common bean mosaic virus. The plant can produce pods 5-6 inches long. The Golden Wax beans are wonderful for canning, freezing and as a dry shell bean!

The Light Red Kidney Bean is a popular kidney bean that has mild bean flavor! Excellent for chili, bean salads, and soups. Exceptional culinary quality, with silky texture and thin skin.  Plants grow to medium size that are sturdy and widely adapted. Produce well anywhere in the United States.

The Landreth Stringless bean is a very old heirloom that debuted by D. Landreth Seed Company in the late 1800's. A meaty bean, very flavorful, stringless bean and produces heavy yields. The pods are medium green in color and a little over 5” long. The seeds are a rich chocolate or coffee brown. This bean is excellent for the home garden, market garden and canner.

The Pinto bean is a great tasting bean, very popular in many Mexican dishes! The Pinto bean plant is a half-runner type that produces 20 inch plants with light tan seeds with brown speckles. Eat young when green for delicious flavor. Great bean for using for refried 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.

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.

The Black Turtle Soup bean is very popular Latin favorite, that is also great in Cajun and Creole dishes. A tasty variety that grows upright with black beans inside the pod. Tall bush that keeps the bean pods off the ground.

The great northern bean is an heirloom bean variety that is perfect for drying and using in different baked dishes. Semi-vining, 24 inch plants yield a prolific quantity of flat, 5 inch pods holding 5 to 6, large white beans.

The small Woods Prolific Lima Bean is perfect for canning, freezing and as a dry bean! The bean plant produces thick green pods with small creamy white seeds. Each pod contains about 3 to 4 seeds. The Woods Prolific Lima Bean prefers full sun and has early to mid maturity and produces continuously until frost.

King of the Garden beans are a classic heirloom variety cherished for their robust growth and exceptional flavor. Developed in the early 20th century, this variety has a rich history in American gardens, particularly noted for its productivity. King of the Garden lima beans are characterized by their vigorous pole growth habit, often reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet, making them ideal for trellises or fences. The pods are typically long, smooth, and bright green, growing up to 7 inches in length. Known for their rich, buttery flavor and tender texture, these beans are perfect for fresh eating, canning, or freezing. Harvesting is best done in mid-summer to early fall when the pods are still young and firm to ensure optimal taste and quality. The plants are not only prolific but also exhibit good disease resistance, making them a reliable choice for gardeners. With their delightful flavor, impressive yield, and historical significance, King of the Garden beans continue to be a favorite among home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.

The Burpee Improved Bush Lime bean plants produce large pods, high yields, and perfectly shaped beans. Burpee Improved beans are both larger and thicker than normal lima beans. The growth is even more vigorous, with heavier foliage. The plants are uniformly upright.

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.