Beans

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.

Flora de Junio bean seeds produce vibrant heirloom pole beans traditionally grown in Mexico, known for their striking maroon and white speckled pods and seeds. These vigorous climbing plants can reach a height of 6 to 8 feet, making them ideal for trellises or poles. They mature in approximately 90 to 100 days and are prized for their dual-purpose use as both fresh snap beans when young and dry beans when fully mature. Flora de Junio beans are celebrated for their rich, earthy flavor and resilience, thriving in warm climates with well-drained soil.

Bronco bean seeds produce vigorous bush plants that grow to about 18 to 24 inches tall and mature in approximately 55 to 60 days, making them a fast-growing option for gardeners. This variety is a high-yielding snap bean, known for its straight, slender, medium-green pods that are about 5 to 6 inches long. Bronco beans are tender, flavorful, and stringless, making them ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or freezing. They are also resistant to common bean diseases such as rust and mosaic virus, and perform well in a range of growing conditions with full sun and well-drained soil.

Jacob’s Cattle bean seeds grow into sturdy bush plants that reach about 18 to 24 inches in height and are prized for their early maturity, typically reaching harvest in 80 to 100 days. This heirloom variety, also known as Trout or Dalmatian bean, produces oval-shaped seeds with a distinctive white and deep maroon mottled pattern. Known for their rich, hearty flavor and meaty texture, Jacob’s Cattle beans hold up well during long cooking, making them excellent for baked beans, soups, and chili. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering dependable yields and good drought tolerance.

Dapple Grey bean seeds grow into compact bush plants reaching about 18 to 24 inches in height and typically mature in 85 to 95 days. This heirloom dry bean variety is known for its eye-catching gray seeds mottled with darker streaks, giving it a distinctive “dappled” appearance. Dapple Grey beans have a rich, hearty flavor and a firm texture, making them a popular choice for soups, stews, and chili. Easy to grow and well-adapted to a variety of climates, these beans thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering reliable yields and excellent storage quality.

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.

Bountiful bean seeds produce one of the earliest and most reliable bush snap beans, known for their exceptional productivity and tender, stringless pods. Introduced in the late 19th century, this heirloom variety remains popular for its rich flavor, crisp texture, and consistent performance in a wide range of climates. The compact, bushy plants grow about 12 to 18 inches tall and do not require staking, making them perfect for small gardens or raised beds. Bountiful beans are easy to harvest and ideal for fresh eating, canning, or freezing. Their early maturity and dependable yields make them a favorite among home gardeners and market growers alike.

Soldier bean seeds produce a traditional New England heirloom dry bean known for its creamy white color and distinctive reddish-brown marking near the hilum that resembles a toy soldier—hence the name. These bush-type plants are hardy and compact, typically reaching maturity in about 85 to 95 days, and they yield reliably even in cooler climates. Soldier beans are especially prized for their mild, earthy flavor and smooth texture, making them a favorite for baked beans, soups, and stews. Their excellent storage qualities and historical significance have kept them a staple in regional cooking for generations. Easy to grow and harvest, Soldier beans are a dependable and flavorful addition to any garden.

Kenearly Yellow Eye bean seeds produce bush-type plants that grow to about 18 to 24 inches tall and are known for their high yields and disease resistance. These heirloom beans mature in approximately 85 to 95 days and are distinguished by their creamy white seeds with a distinct yellow "eye" marking. Valued for their mild, buttery flavor and smooth texture, Kenearly Yellow Eye beans are excellent for soups, stews, and baked dishes. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, and their compact growth habit makes them easy to harvest and ideal for small garden spaces.

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.

Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean, also known as Lablab purpureus or simply Hyacinth Bean, is a unique and versatile legume known for its vibrant appearance and culinary potential. This heirloom variety is named for its striking ruby-red pods and dark green foliage, making it an attractive addition to both ornamental and edible gardens. Ruby Moon Hyacinth Beans are typically grown as annuals, but in tropical regions, they can be perennial. In terms of taste, the young pods and seeds of Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean are edible and have a mild, nutty flavor similar to green beans. They can be consumed both raw and cooked. However, it's important to note that mature seeds contain toxic compounds and should not be eaten without proper processing. Ruby Moon Hyacinth Beans have a rich history, with their cultivation dating back centuries, primarily in Asia and Africa. They are valued not only for their culinary uses but also for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility. This plant is categorized as a warm-season annual and typically matures in about 60-90 days, depending on growing conditions. The size of the Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean plant can vary, but it generally reaches a height of 6-10 feet, making it suitable for trellises or fences. When it comes to yield, you can expect approximately 10-15 pounds of pods per plant or around 800-1,200 pounds per acre under ideal conditions. These beans thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they require a warm climate to grow successfully. Adequate moisture and support for climbing are essential for a bountiful harvest. With proper care, Ruby Moon Hyacinth Beans can be a delightful addition to your garden, offering both visual appeal and a tasty, nutritious addition to your plate.