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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Jameson Bean is a popular and versatile variety of bean known for its exceptional taste and rich history. These beans are classified as a bush bean, which means they grow in a compact, bushy fashion without the need for support structures. Jameson Beans are typically small to medium-sized, oval-shaped, and boast a creamy texture with a slightly nutty and earthy flavor profile. They are a beloved choice for both fresh consumption and canning due to their outstanding taste. With a historical background dating back decades, Jameson Beans have been a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. They have a relatively short maturity period, typically taking around 50 to 55 days to reach full maturity from the time of planting. The beans themselves are often a vibrant green color, making them visually appealing in a variety of dishes. In terms of growing characteristics, Jameson Beans exhibit good disease resistance, particularly against common bean diseases such as rust and bean common mosaic virus. The yield per row can vary depending on factors such as soil quality and care, but they tend to be productive plants, providing a substantial harvest. It is recommended to space the plants about 2-4 inches apart in rows that are approximately 18-24 inches apart. These beans thrive in well-drained soil and require full sun for optimal growth, making them a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

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 Fortex bean has a long pod that is slender and stringless. Fortex grow up to 11" long and produces round pods. An early maturing and very productive bean, that is very tender when picked early at 7". A great filet bean. Has the largest yields of any fresh bean. Walnut brown seeds.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.