Bean Seeds

Mountaineer White Half Runner is one of the finest Appalachian heirloom beans ever developed, combining the heavy production of a pole bean with the manageable growth habit of a half-runner. Revered throughout the mountains of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina, this beloved variety produces long vines bearing abundant clusters of smooth, stringless green pods filled with tender white beans. Its exceptional flavor, prolonged harvest season, and remarkable versatility have made it a family favorite for generations of gardeners.

Flavor Profile

Fresh snap pods offer a rich, sweet bean flavor with exceptional tenderness and a crisp bite. As the seeds mature, fresh shelled beans become creamy and buttery with a delicate nutty taste. Fully dried beans cook into smooth, hearty dishes with excellent texture, making this one of the most versatile beans available for the kitchen.

Many gardeners harvest Mountaineer White Half Runner at several stages of maturity, enjoying fresh pods early, shell beans later, and dry beans at season's end.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart at the base of a sturdy trellis, fence, or teepee support. Provide consistent moisture during flowering and pod production. Regular harvesting encourages continuous flowering and extends production until frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest snap beans when pods are young, smooth, and approximately 4 to 6 inches long. Allow pods to mature further for fresh shell beans, or leave them on the vines until fully dry for long-term storage. Properly dried white beans store exceptionally well in airtight containers for several years.

Quick Facts

Marvel of Venice Pole Wax Bean is a treasured Italian heirloom renowned for its striking golden-yellow pods, vigorous climbing vines, and exceptionally sweet, buttery flavor. Dating back to the late 1800s, this beautiful pole bean produces long, flat, stringless pods that are both ornamental and delicious. Growing 6 to 8 feet tall, the vines yield continuously throughout the summer, making Marvel of Venice a favorite among gardeners who appreciate old-world flavor, abundant harvests, and stunning garden displays.

Flavor Profile

Marvel of Venice is celebrated for its exceptionally sweet, rich flavor and buttery texture. The broad, flat pods remain tender and nearly stringless when harvested young, offering a delicate sweetness that many gardeners consider superior to standard green beans. Even after cooking, the beans retain their smooth texture and mild, nutty flavor.

The brilliant yellow pods provide outstanding color contrast in mixed vegetable dishes while maintaining their excellent texture during cooking.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart along a sturdy trellis, fence, netting, or bean teepee. Provide regular moisture during flowering and pod development. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous flowering and abundant pod production until frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they are approximately 6 to 8 inches long while still bright golden yellow, flat, smooth, and tender. Picking every few days encourages continued production. Fresh beans refrigerate well for about one week and maintain excellent flavor and texture when frozen or pressure canned.

Quick Facts

Firdaouss Pole Bean is a premium French filet bean prized for its exceptionally long, slender, dark green pods, refined gourmet flavor, and outstanding garden productivity. Vigorous climbing vines produce abundant clusters of elegant, stringless beans over an extended harvest season, making Firdaouss a favorite among home gardeners, chefs, and market growers alike. Known for combining the tenderness of classic French haricots verts with the heavy yields of a pole bean, this exceptional variety delivers continuous harvests of restaurant-quality beans throughout the summer.

Flavor Profile

Firdaouss Beans are celebrated for their delicate sweetness, crisp texture, and refined, fresh garden flavor. The slender pods remain virtually stringless and exceptionally tender, making them ideal for quick cooking methods that preserve their gourmet quality. Their mild, buttery taste pairs beautifully with herbs, butter, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and fine seasonings.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart along sturdy trellises, poles, fences, or bean teepees. Keep the soil evenly moist during flowering and pod production. Frequent harvesting encourages continual flowering and extends production until frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they are approximately 7 to 9 inches long while still slender, smooth, and deep green. Picking every two to three days keeps plants highly productive and ensures peak tenderness. Fresh beans refrigerate well for about one week and retain excellent quality when frozen or canned.

Quick Facts

Pinto Pole Bean is a vigorous climbing heirloom grown primarily for its richly flavored, beautifully speckled dry beans that have long been a staple in traditional American and Mexican cooking. Unlike bush pinto beans, this climbing variety produces abundant harvests over a much longer season, with vines reaching 6 to 8 feet tall and yielding clusters of pods packed with attractive tan beans mottled in reddish-brown. Easy to grow and exceptionally productive, Pinto Pole Bean is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking high yields, long-term food storage, and rich, homegrown flavor.

Flavor Profile

Pinto Pole Beans develop a rich, earthy flavor with a creamy, smooth texture after cooking. Their mild taste readily absorbs herbs, spices, onions, garlic, smoked meats, and peppers, making them one of the most versatile dry beans available. Fresh shell beans offer a delicate sweetness before maturing into their familiar hearty flavor.

The beans may be harvested at three stages—young snap pods, fresh shell beans, or fully mature dry beans—making them one of the most versatile crops in the vegetable garden.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart along sturdy trellises, poles, fences, or bean teepees. Provide regular watering during flowering and pod production. Continuous flowering allows harvests over a much longer period than bush varieties.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest young pods if desired as snap beans, or allow pods to mature for fresh shell beans. For dry beans, leave pods on the vines until they become tan and brittle before harvesting. Finish drying indoors if necessary, shell the beans, and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place where they will remain in excellent condition for years.

Quick Facts

Navy Pole Bean is a vigorous climbing heirloom grown for its abundant harvests of small, creamy-white beans that have long been prized as one of the finest dry beans for soups, baked beans, and long-term food storage. Unlike traditional bush navy beans, this climbing selection produces continuously over an extended season, yielding impressive quantities of tender snap pods, fresh shell beans, and mature dry beans. Easy to grow and highly productive, Navy Pole Bean is an excellent choice for homesteaders, preparedness gardeners, and anyone looking to maximize harvests from limited garden space.

Flavor Profile

Navy Beans develop a mild, delicate flavor with a wonderfully creamy texture after cooking. Their smooth consistency makes them ideal for soups, chowders, baked bean recipes, and bean purees. Because of their subtle flavor, they readily absorb herbs, garlic, onions, smoked meats, tomatoes, and a wide variety of seasonings.

The beans may also be harvested young as tender shell beans before allowing later pods to mature into premium-quality dry beans.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart along sturdy poles, fences, trellises, or bean teepees. Water consistently during flowering and pod development. Harvest regularly for shell beans or allow pods to mature completely for dry bean production.

Harvest & Storage

For fresh shell beans, harvest pods when seeds have fully developed but pods are still green. For dry beans, allow pods to mature naturally until tan and brittle before harvesting. Finish drying indoors if necessary before shelling. Properly dried Navy Beans store exceptionally well for several years in airtight containers kept in a cool, dry location.

Quick Facts

Yard Long Asparagus Bean is one of the most fascinating and productive vegetables you can grow. Also known as Chinese Long Bean, Snake Bean, or Asparagus Bean, this vigorous climbing vine produces remarkably slender pods that commonly reach 18 to 30 inches in length, with some growing even longer under ideal conditions. Unlike ordinary snap beans, Yard Long Beans thrive in hot summer weather, producing continuous harvests when many traditional beans begin to slow down. Their crisp texture, sweet flavor, and exceptional productivity make them a favorite in Asian cuisine and an increasingly popular choice for home gardeners everywhere.

Flavor Profile

These beans have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor with mild nutty undertones and a crisp yet tender texture. Unlike many common snap beans, Yard Long Beans retain their firmness after cooking, making them especially well suited for stir-frying, grilling, and quick sautéing. Their fresh flavor pairs beautifully with garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and countless herbs and spices.

Harvest pods while young and tender, usually between 12 and 18 inches long, although many remain delicious well beyond that size.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed above 70°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart along sturdy trellises, poles, fencing, or netting. Warm weather encourages vigorous growth and heavy flowering. Water regularly during pod production, and harvest frequently to encourage continuous blooming and abundant yields until frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods while they are slender, smooth, and crisp, typically when they measure 12–18 inches long. Frequent harvesting keeps vines producing new flowers and pods throughout the growing season. Fresh beans store well in the refrigerator for about one week and freeze well after blanching for long-term storage.

Quick Facts

Kentucky Blue Pole Bean is one of the finest gourmet pole beans ever developed, combining the legendary flavor of the heirloom Kentucky Wonder with the exceptional disease resistance and stringless tenderness of Blue Lake beans. This vigorous climbing variety produces abundant harvests of long, dark green, round pods that remain crisp, tender, and flavorful over an extended season. Highly productive and easy to grow, Kentucky Blue has become a favorite among home gardeners, market growers, and anyone seeking premium-quality fresh beans throughout the summer.

Flavor Profile

Kentucky Blue Beans offer a rich, sweet, old-fashioned garden flavor with outstanding tenderness and a crisp bite. The smooth, round pods are completely stringless and remain succulent over a generous harvest window. Their fresh taste shines whether served simply with butter or incorporated into more elaborate recipes.

The pods retain excellent texture after cooking and are considered among the finest beans for freezing, maintaining both flavor and color remarkably well.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart at the base of sturdy trellises, poles, fences, or bean teepees. Water consistently during flowering and pod production. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous flowering and maximum yields until frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they are approximately 6 to 7 inches long while still smooth, firm, and dark green. Picking every few days keeps vines producing heavily throughout the season. Fresh beans refrigerate well for about one week and are among the finest varieties for freezing or pressure canning due to their outstanding texture retention.

Quick Facts

Blue Lake Pole Bean is one of the most celebrated snap beans ever introduced and has set the standard for flavor, tenderness, and productivity for generations of gardeners. Originally developed in the fertile Blue Lake region of California, this vigorous heirloom pole bean produces long, straight, dark green, stringless pods with exceptional sweetness and crisp texture. The vigorous climbing vines yield continuously from midsummer until frost, making Blue Lake Pole Bean one of the finest choices for fresh eating, freezing, canning, and market gardening.

Flavor Profile

Blue Lake Pole Beans are renowned for their sweet, rich garden flavor and crisp, juicy texture. The smooth, round pods remain completely stringless and tender even as they reach full harvesting size. Their delicate sweetness and fresh taste make them equally delicious raw, steamed, sautéed, grilled, or preserved.

Blue Lake is widely regarded as one of the finest bean varieties for freezing because it retains its exceptional flavor, crisp texture, and rich green color after preservation.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart at the base of sturdy poles, trellises, fences, or bean teepees. Water consistently during flowering and pod production. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous flowering and abundant harvests until the first frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they are approximately 5½ to 7 inches long while still smooth, dark green, and slender. Pick every few days for peak tenderness and continued production. Fresh beans refrigerate well for about one week and are considered one of the very best varieties for freezing and pressure canning.

Quick Facts

King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean has been the gold standard for large-seeded lima beans since its introduction in the late 1800s. This vigorous heirloom produces robust climbing vines that can reach 8 to 10 feet tall, yielding generous clusters of enormous pods filled with some of the largest and finest-flavored lima beans available. Renowned for its exceptional productivity, creamy texture, and rich buttery flavor, King of the Garden remains one of the most popular pole lima beans for home gardeners, homesteaders, and market growers alike.

Flavor Profile

King of the Garden Lima Beans are famous for their rich, buttery flavor and exceptionally creamy texture. Fresh shelled beans cook into tender, velvety morsels with a mild sweetness and delicate nutty undertones. Their luxurious texture makes them one of the finest lima beans available for gourmet cooking.

Although most gardeners harvest the beans fresh while fully developed, mature beans may also be dried for long-term pantry storage.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed above 65°F. Plant seeds 1½ inches deep and 6 inches apart along sturdy poles, trellises, or bean teepees. Lima beans thrive in warm weather and benefit from consistent moisture during flowering and pod development. Harvest regularly to encourage continued pod production throughout the season.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they become full and plump while still bright green. Shell the beans immediately for the finest flavor and texture. Fresh shelled beans may be refrigerated for several days, frozen for long-term storage, or allowed to mature completely and dry for pantry use.

Quick Facts

Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean is one of America's most beloved heirloom vegetables and has been a staple in home gardens for well over a century. Introduced in the late 1800s, this vigorous climbing bean produces abundant harvests of long, smooth, medium-green pods renowned for their exceptional flavor, tenderness, and reliability. The vigorous vines continue producing from midsummer until frost, making Kentucky Wonder one of the longest-yielding and most dependable pole beans ever introduced. Whether enjoyed fresh, frozen, canned, or allowed to mature into shell beans, this classic heirloom continues to earn its place in gardens across the country.

Flavor Profile

Kentucky Wonder is famous for its rich, sweet, old-fashioned bean flavor and crisp yet tender texture. Harvested young, the pods are nearly stringless and wonderfully juicy. Even when cooked, they retain excellent flavor and texture, making them one of the most highly regarded beans for fresh eating and preserving.

Pods harvested later in the season also produce excellent shell beans, giving gardeners multiple harvest options from a single planting.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart at the base of sturdy poles, fences, trellises, or bean teepees. Keep soil evenly moist during flowering and pod development. Frequent harvesting encourages continued flowering and heavy production until frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they are approximately 7 to 9 inches long while still smooth, firm, and tender. Picking every few days ensures peak quality and encourages continuous production. Fresh beans store well in the refrigerator for about one week and freeze or can exceptionally well. Mature pods may also be harvested as fresh shell beans or allowed to dry for storage.

Quick Facts

Rattlesnake Pole Bean is a treasured American heirloom that has delighted gardeners since the 1800s with its striking purple-streaked pods, exceptional productivity, and remarkable heat tolerance. Vigorous climbing vines produce abundant harvests of long, round, green pods beautifully splashed with deep purple markings that resemble the intricate pattern of a rattlesnake's skin. The attractive coloration disappears during cooking, leaving behind tender, flavorful beans that are prized for fresh eating, canning, freezing, and shelling. Highly adaptable and dependable, Rattlesnake remains one of the finest heirloom pole beans available.

Flavor Profile

Rattlesnake Beans have a rich, sweet, old-fashioned flavor with crisp, juicy texture when harvested young. The pods remain tender and nearly stringless over a generous harvest window. Fresh shell beans develop a creamy texture, while mature dry beans offer a hearty, satisfying flavor perfect for soups and slow-cooked dishes.

The beautiful purple streaks fade during cooking, leaving attractive green beans with exceptional flavor and tenderness.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart along sturdy poles, trellises, fences, or bean teepees. Water regularly during flowering and pod development. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous flowering and abundant pod production until frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they are 6 to 8 inches long while still smooth, crisp, and tender. Continue harvesting every few days to maintain production. Later harvests may be shelled fresh or allowed to mature completely for dry beans. Fresh pods refrigerate well for about one week and preserve exceptionally well by freezing or canning.

Quick Facts

Christmas Pole Butterbean is one of the most beautiful and distinctive heirloom lima beans you can grow. Dating back to the mid-1800s, this vigorous climbing variety produces heavy clusters of large pods filled with striking cream-colored beans splashed with rich maroon markings resembling holiday decorations, giving rise to its festive name. Beyond their remarkable appearance, the beans are prized for their rich, buttery flavor, creamy texture, and exceptional productivity. Whether harvested fresh as shell beans or dried for winter use, Christmas Pole Butterbeans are a favorite among heirloom gardeners and gourmet cooks alike.

Flavor Profile

Christmas Pole Butterbeans are famous for their exceptionally rich, buttery flavor and velvety smooth texture. Fresh beans cook into creamy, tender morsels with a mild sweetness and subtle nutty undertones. Dried beans retain their rich flavor and become wonderfully creamy after cooking, making them ideal for hearty soups and traditional Southern dishes.

The attractive maroon markings remain visible on the dried beans, making them especially appealing for heirloom bean collections and specialty food presentations.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures exceed 65°F. Plant seeds 1½ inches deep and 6 inches apart along sturdy poles, trellises, fences, or bean teepees. Lima beans require warm weather for vigorous growth and benefit from regular watering during flowering and pod production. Harvest frequently to encourage continued blooming and pod development.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they are plump and fully developed while still green for fresh shell beans. For dry beans, allow pods to mature naturally until dry before harvesting. Properly dried beans store exceptionally well in airtight containers and maintain both their beautiful coloration and excellent cooking quality for extended periods.

Quick Facts

Romano Pole Bean is a classic Italian heirloom prized for its broad, flat, tender pods and rich, full-bodied flavor. Unlike round snap beans, Romano beans produce wide, meaty pods that remain exceptionally tender while offering a satisfying texture and sweet, nutty taste. Vigorous climbing vines reach 6 to 8 feet tall and provide abundant harvests over an extended season, making this variety a favorite in Mediterranean kitchens and home gardens alike. Whether steamed, sautéed, grilled, or preserved, Romano Pole Bean delivers outstanding flavor and dependable production throughout the summer.

Flavor Profile

Romano Pole Beans are renowned for their rich, sweet flavor with subtle nutty notes and a firm yet tender texture. The broad pods remain succulent longer than many round snap beans and develop an especially satisfying bite when lightly cooked. Their hearty texture holds up beautifully in sautés, grilling, and traditional Italian recipes.

The broad pods absorb herbs, garlic, butter, olive oil, and seasonings beautifully while maintaining their excellent texture during cooking.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed above 60°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart at the base of sturdy poles, trellises, fences, or bean teepees. Provide regular watering during flowering and pod production. Harvest frequently to encourage continuous flowering and abundant production until frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they reach approximately 6 to 8 inches long while still flat, smooth, and tender. Frequent picking keeps vines productive and ensures the finest eating quality. Fresh beans store well under refrigeration for about one week and preserve exceptionally well by freezing or pressure canning.

Quick Facts