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

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.

Midori Giant is a traditional edamame variety that is eaten in oriental food. Midori Giant is an early maturing soybean with very large pods. Consistent heavy producer with over 90% two and three-seeded pods. Adaptable to all regions of the USA.

Jade is a revolutionary bean with excellent flavor. The Jade bean is perfect for the home garden. This bean plant gives you long, round, straight pods that have excellent color, flavor, and high yield potential. Excellent taste and easy to grow.

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.

The Orient Wonder bean is a white seeded yard-long bean with tender pods. This type of pole bean is sometimes called asparagus or yard-long bean. Popular in warm and humid areas, where plants are vigorously vining. Extra-long, slender pods are slow to form seeds, resulting in more tender beans that can be harvested over an extended period. Orient Wonder is popular for specialty and ethnic markets and superior to standard strains due to its ability to set in cooler climates.

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 Vermont Cranberry Shell bean is an incredible bean variety that can be used as a snap, shell or dry bean. Cranberry Shell stores exceptionally well. Maroon colored beans are decorated with darker red, cranberry markings. This variety dates back to the 1800s and is well-suited to short-season, cool summer climates.

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 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.

Scarlet Runner Bean, scientifically known as Phaseolus coccineus, is a remarkable and versatile legume that has gained popularity for its ornamental and culinary attributes. Native to Central America, this bean has a rich history dating back to the Aztec civilization. The scarlet runner bean is a twining vine that can reach impressive heights, often exceeding 10 feet. Its vibrant, scarlet-red flowers add a stunning ornamental touch to gardens, making it a sought-after plant for both decorative and edible landscaping. In terms of taste, scarlet runner beans are known for their mild, nutty flavor and tender texture. They are commonly harvested when the pods are young and slender, as they tend to become stringy when mature. The pods of the scarlet runner bean are typically large, reaching lengths of 6 to 10 inches or more. The plant itself can be quite robust, with its lush foliage and attractive red blossoms. It usually takes around 60 to 90 days for scarlet runner beans to reach maturity from the time of planting, depending on growing conditions and climate. Scarlet runner beans come in various colors, with the most common being the striking scarlet-red variety. They are known for their resistance to certain diseases, including aphids and whiteflies, making them a relatively low-maintenance crop. In terms of yield, a well-cared-for scarlet runner bean plant can produce a bountiful harvest. On average, you can expect a yield of 10-15 pounds of beans per 100-foot row, making them a productive addition to your garden. Proper spacing is crucial for healthy growth, with a recommended spacing of 6 to 8 inches between plants and 24 to 36 inches between rows. Scarlet runner beans thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and regular watering, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add both beauty and nutrition to their landscape.

The French horticultural shell bean, also known as "Haricot Tarbais," is a classic heirloom variety renowned for its exceptional flavor and versatility in culinary applications. Originating in the Tarbes region of France, this bean has a rich historical significance in French cuisine. Its taste profile is a harmonious blend of nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet notes, making it a sought-after choice for gourmet dishes. This bean is classified as a pole bean, meaning it grows as a climbing vine that requires support. The pods of the French horticultural shell bean are medium-sized, typically reaching 4-6 inches in length, and they display a stunning mottled appearance with a creamy background and reddish streaks. The plant itself can attain a height of 8-10 feet, and it generally takes around 70-80 days to reach maturity from planting. In terms of disease resistance, the French horticultural shell bean exhibits decent resistance to common bean diseases like rust and mildew, although it's advisable to monitor and manage pests as needed. Under ideal growing conditions, this variety can yield approximately 1500-2000 pounds of beans per acre. Proper spacing is crucial for optimal growth; ensure that plants are spaced about 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. These beans thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and benefit from regular watering to maintain consistent moisture levels throughout the growing season. With its outstanding flavor and culinary versatility, the French horticultural shell bean is a delightful addition to any garden or kitchen.

Roma II beans, also known as Romano beans or Italian flat beans, are a popular variety of green beans known for their exceptional flavor and unique appearance. These beans have a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, where they were cultivated and enjoyed for their culinary versatility. Roma II beans are distinct from traditional green beans due to their flat, wide pods and are favored by many for their tender, meaty texture and delicious taste. The taste of Roma II beans is often described as nutty and slightly sweeter than regular green beans, making them a sought-after choice in various culinary dishes. These beans are typically harvested when they are about 4-6 inches long, ensuring optimal tenderness and flavor. The plants of Roma II beans are known to be vigorous and can reach a height of about 18-24 inches. They have a relatively short maturity period, usually taking around 60 days to reach harvest readiness from the time of planting. The pods of Roma II beans are typically a vibrant green color and can grow to be 5-6 inches long. Roma II beans are prized for their resistance to common bean diseases, including common mosaic virus, rust, and bacterial brown spot, which can help ensure a healthy harvest. When properly cared for, these plants can yield a bountiful crop. For optimal growth, Roma II beans should be spaced about 3-4 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. They thrive in well-drained soil and require full sun exposure, making them a great addition to any home garden or farm. Overall, Roma II beans are a delightful and versatile choice for those looking to grow and enjoy fresh, flavorful beans.

The Broad Windsor fava bean, scientifically known as Vicia faba, is a prominent member of the legume family and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Originating in the Mediterranean region and known for its versatility and unique taste, it has gained popularity worldwide. These beans are a type of broad bean, characterized by their large, flat, and slightly curved pods. The plant itself can reach a height of 3 to 4 feet and typically takes around 80 to 90 days to mature. In terms of appearance, Broad Windsor fava beans have large, broad pods that encase the beans. The pods are typically 6 to 8 inches long and are a vibrant green color. The beans themselves are quite large and have a distinctive earthy and nutty flavor, making them a favorite in various culinary dishes. When it comes to growing conditions, these beans thrive in cool weather and are often planted in early spring or late summer. They require well-drained soil and benefit from full sun exposure. Broad Windsor fava beans are known for their disease resistance, particularly against common bean diseases such as rust and aphids. On average, they can yield approximately 1,000 to 1,200 pounds per acre when properly cultivated with adequate spacing between plants, typically about 6 to 8 inches apart. Their versatility in both taste and growth conditions makes them a valuable addition to any garden or farm.

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.

Dulcina is a bush type, flat, Italian bean. This high yielding Romano bean with its upright vine habit and concentrated pod set make it well suited for both mechanical and hand harvesting.

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.

Tendergreen Improved is one of the highest yielding beans around. The Tendergreen Improved bean plant is a widely adapted home garden variety. These bean plants will produce some of the highest bean yields you'll ever see. Best eaten fresh.

The Provider bean is a stringless, fast maturing bush bean. Provider beans can be planted earlier than other beans because it germinates well in cool soils. Provider has compact bean plants that are easy to establish and adapt well to diverse soil and climate conditions. Harvest early for best stringless beans.