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.

Why Grow This Variety

Few beans enjoy the loyal following of Mountaineer White Half Runner. Unlike full pole beans that may climb 10 feet or more, half runners typically reach 5 to 7 feet, making them easier to trellis and harvest while still producing continuously throughout the summer. Gardeners appreciate their outstanding fresh flavor, excellent shell beans, and high-quality dry beans, allowing one planting to provide multiple harvest opportunities throughout the season.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh snap beans
• Fresh shell beans
• Dry white beans
• Traditional Southern green beans
• Soups and stews
• Bean casseroles
• Slow cooker meals
• Home canning
• Freezing
• Long-term food storage

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

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual half-runner bean
• Vine Length: 5–7 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to First Harvest: Approximately 60–65 days

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.

Best For

• Home vegetable gardens
• Southern gardens
• Appalachian heirloom collections
• Fresh eating
• Shell bean production
• Dry bean storage
• Homesteads
• Vertical gardening

Seedman Notes

Mountaineer White Half Runner is the kind of heirloom that reminds us why older varieties remain so beloved. Few beans offer this combination of flavor, versatility, and season-long productivity. Whether you're carrying on a family tradition or discovering Appalachian beans for the first time, this variety rewards gardeners with generous harvests that can be enjoyed fresh all summer and stored well into winter.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Marvel of Venice offers the best qualities of a traditional pole bean—heavy yields, continuous production, and superior flavor—combined with the beauty of brilliant golden wax pods. The vigorous vines make excellent use of vertical garden space while producing baskets of tender beans over many weeks. Unlike bush beans that often produce a single flush of pods, Marvel of Venice continues flowering and setting beans until frost with regular harvesting.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh snap beans
• Steamed vegetables
• Italian recipes
• Garlic butter side dishes
• Stir-fries
• Fresh salads
• Vegetable medleys
• Home freezing
• Pressure canning
• Farmers market displays

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

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 6–8 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 60–70 days

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.

Best For

• Vertical vegetable gardens
• Home gardens
• Raised beds
• Fresh eating
• Italian cuisine
• Freezing and canning
• Heirloom collections
• Market growers

Seedman Notes

Marvel of Venice is one of those heirloom vegetables that never goes out of style. Its elegant climbing vines, brilliant golden pods, outstanding flavor, and long harvest season make it a true garden classic. Whether you're growing it for its beauty, its productivity, or its delicious old-fashioned taste, this remarkable Italian heirloom consistently lives up to its name.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Firdaouss offers gardeners the best of both worlds—beautiful, extra-fine gourmet beans and the remarkable productivity of climbing vines. The plants make excellent use of vertical growing space while producing baskets of long, straight pods that remain tender over an extended harvest window. Continuous flowering ensures fresh beans for months, while the vigorous vines thrive even during warm summer weather.

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.

Culinary Uses

• French-style haricots verts
• Steamed gourmet side dishes
• Sautéed with garlic and butter
• Fresh salads
• Stir-fries
• Fine dining presentations
• Vegetable medleys
• Home freezing
• Pressure canning
• Farmers market sales

The long, slender pods cook quickly while maintaining their crisp texture and beautiful deep green color.

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 7–9 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 62–68 days

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.

Best For

• Vertical gardens
• Raised beds
• Gourmet cooking
• Fresh eating
• French cuisine
• Market growers
• Home freezing
• Small-space gardens

Interesting Facts

• A premium French filet-type pole bean.
• Produces exceptionally long, slender gourmet pods.
• Continues producing until frost with regular harvesting.
• Excellent for maximizing production in small gardens.
• Highly favored by chefs for its refined flavor and appearance.
• Outstanding fresh market variety because of its uniform pods.

Seedman Notes

Firdaouss Pole Bean is an outstanding choice for gardeners who appreciate gourmet vegetables. Its elegant appearance, remarkable productivity, and exceptional flavor easily place it among the finest pole beans available today. Whether you're preparing restaurant-quality meals, supplying a local farmers market, or simply enjoying fresh beans from your backyard, Firdaouss delivers premium harvests all season long.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Pinto Pole Bean makes excellent use of vertical garden space while producing significantly more beans per square foot than bush varieties. The vigorous vines continue flowering and setting pods over many weeks, allowing gardeners to enjoy fresh shell beans during the season before harvesting mature dry beans for winter storage. With excellent drought tolerance, dependable production, and exceptional pantry value, this is an ideal variety for homesteads, preparedness gardens, and anyone who enjoys growing staple food crops.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Traditional refried beans
• Homemade chili
• Hearty soups and stews
• Mexican cuisine
• Burritos and tacos
• Rice and bean dishes
• Fresh shell beans
• Slow cooker recipes
• Bean salads
• Long-term pantry storage

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

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 6–8 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Fresh Shell Beans: 75–85 days
• Days to Dry Beans: 95–110 days

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.

Best For

• Homestead gardens
• Preparedness gardening
• Food storage
• Vertical gardens
• Fresh shell beans
• Dry bean production
• Raised beds
• Family vegetable gardens

Seedman Notes

Pinto Pole Bean is an excellent choice for gardeners who want maximum production from limited space. Its climbing vines produce generous harvests over an extended season while providing one of the most valuable staple foods a home garden can produce. Whether you're filling the pantry with nutritious dry beans or harvesting fresh shell beans for summer meals, this dependable heirloom delivers outstanding performance and exceptional value year after year.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Navy Pole Bean combines the exceptional pantry value of classic navy beans with the increased productivity of climbing vines. Growing vertically on trellises or poles, the plants produce far more beans per square foot than bush varieties while extending the harvest season well into late summer. The small white beans cook quickly, store exceptionally well, and are among the most versatile dry beans available for home kitchens.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Classic baked beans
• Navy bean soup
• Ham and bean soup
• White bean chili
• Bean purees
• Casseroles
• Fresh shell beans
• Slow cooker recipes
• Long-term pantry storage
• Emergency food supplies

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

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 6–8 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Fresh Shell Beans: 75–85 days
• Days to Dry Beans: 95–110 days

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.

Best For

• Homestead gardens
• Preparedness gardening
• Food storage
• Vertical gardening
• Raised beds
• Soup and baking recipes
• Family vegetable gardens
• Small-space gardens

Seedman Notes

Navy Pole Bean is an outstanding choice for gardeners who value both productivity and food security. Its vigorous vines make efficient use of garden space while producing generous harvests of one of the world's most useful pantry beans. Whether you're preparing homemade baked beans, hearty soups, or building a long-term food supply, this dependable climbing variety delivers reliable harvests and exceptional quality season after season.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Yard Long Asparagus Beans are ideal for gardeners looking to maximize production in a small space. Their vigorous vines quickly climb trellises, fences, or poles while producing dozens of spectacular pods over a long harvest season. They are remarkably heat tolerant, making them an excellent crop for southern gardens and regions with long, hot summers. Their unique appearance also makes them a conversation piece in the vegetable garden.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Asian stir-fries
• Fresh steamed vegetables
• Garlic butter side dishes
• Curries
• Grilled vegetables
• Fresh salads
• Soups
• Pickled beans
• Vegetable platters
• Farmers market sales

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

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual climbing legume
• Vine Length: 8–12 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 60–75 days

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.

Best For

• Hot summer gardens
• Vertical gardening
• Raised beds
• Asian cuisine
• Small-space gardens
• Market growers
• Container gardens with trellises
• Family vegetable gardens

Seedman Notes

If you've never grown Yard Long Asparagus Beans, you're in for a treat. They combine spectacular appearance with exceptional productivity and outstanding eating quality. Few vegetables thrive as well during the hottest part of summer, and watching the incredibly long pods develop almost overnight is one of the pleasures of growing this remarkable crop. For gardeners looking to expand beyond ordinary green beans, Yard Long Asparagus Beans are an excellent choice.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Kentucky Blue was bred to combine the best characteristics of two outstanding bean varieties. The result is a vigorous climbing bean with remarkable productivity, excellent disease resistance, and exceptional eating quality. The vines continue flowering and producing until frost with regular harvesting, making them one of the longest-producing beans in the vegetable garden. Their beautiful dark green pods are easy to harvest, freeze exceptionally well, and consistently receive high praise for their outstanding flavor.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh snap beans
• Steamed vegetables
• Garlic butter side dishes
• Stir-fries
• Fresh salads
• Soups and casseroles
• Freezing
• Pressure canning
• Farmers market sales
• Restaurant-quality meals

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

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 6–8 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 65–70 days

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.

Best For

• Vertical gardens
• Raised beds
• Fresh eating
• Freezing
• Pressure canning
• Market growers
• Small-space gardens
• Family vegetable gardens

Seedman Notes

Kentucky Blue Pole Bean is one of those rare varieties that truly improves upon two outstanding parents. Gardeners consistently praise its vigorous growth, heavy yields, exceptional flavor, and dependable performance. Whether you're harvesting for the dinner table, preserving beans for winter, or supplying a local farmers market, Kentucky Blue is a premium variety that rewards every gardener with season-long harvests of gourmet-quality beans.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Blue Lake Pole Bean has earned its legendary reputation through decades of dependable performance. Unlike bush beans that often produce a single concentrated harvest, Blue Lake vines continue flowering and producing new pods for months with regular picking. The beans are remarkably uniform, easy to harvest, and maintain excellent quality over an extended picking period. Their exceptional flavor and tender texture have made Blue Lake the benchmark against which many newer bean varieties are judged.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh snap beans
• Steamed side dishes
• Garlic butter green beans
• Fresh salads
• Stir-fries
• Soups and casseroles
• Freezing
• Pressure canning
• Pickled beans
• Farmers market sales

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

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 6–8 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 65–70 days

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.

Best For

• Home vegetable gardens
• Vertical gardening
• Raised beds
• Fresh eating
• Freezing
• Pressure canning
• Market growers
• Family gardens

Seedman Notes

There are very few vegetable varieties that have achieved legendary status, and Blue Lake Pole Bean is certainly one of them. For generations it has been the bean gardeners compare all others against. Its remarkable combination of flavor, productivity, tenderness, and long harvest season continues to make it one of the finest pole beans available today. If you're planting just one climbing bean, Blue Lake deserves serious consideration.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Few vegetables reward gardeners with such impressive harvests. King of the Garden combines vigorous climbing growth with season-long production, allowing even modest garden spaces to produce an abundance of delicious lima beans. The vines continue flowering and setting pods throughout the summer, often yielding for weeks longer than bush lima varieties. Large pods packed with oversized beans make harvesting efficient while providing exceptional value from every vine.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh shelled lima beans
• Succotash
• Southern-style side dishes
• Creamy soups
• Stews
• Casseroles
• Vegetable medleys
• Home freezing
• Dry bean storage
• Family holiday meals

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

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus lunatus
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole lima bean
• Vine Length: 8–10 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 85–95 days

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.

Best For

• Home vegetable gardens
• Homesteads
• Raised beds
• Vertical gardening
• Fresh shell beans
• Freezing
• Food storage
• Southern gardens

Seedman Notes

King of the Garden has earned its regal name through more than a century of outstanding garden performance. The enormous beans, exceptional flavor, and vigorous vines make it one of the most rewarding vegetables you can grow. If you enjoy fresh lima beans—or think you don't because you've only had canned versions—this heirloom may completely change your opinion. Few vegetables compare to freshly shelled King of the Garden beans harvested straight from the vine.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Kentucky Wonder has remained popular for generations because it consistently delivers heavy harvests with outstanding flavor. The vigorous vines make excellent use of vertical space while producing beans continuously over a long season, often yielding far more than bush varieties. Its adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions, dependable production, and old-fashioned garden flavor make it one of the finest heirloom beans available for home gardeners.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh snap beans
• Steamed vegetables
• Southern-style green beans
• Garlic butter side dishes
• Stir-fries
• Soups and casseroles
• Fresh shell beans
• Home freezing
• Pressure canning
• Farmers market sales

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

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 6–8 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 65–72 days

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.

Best For

• Home vegetable gardens
• Vertical gardening
• Raised beds
• Fresh eating
• Freezing
• Pressure canning
• Homestead gardens
• Family gardens

Seedman Notes

Few vegetables have stood the test of time as successfully as Kentucky Wonder. Generation after generation of gardeners have relied on this heirloom for dependable harvests, exceptional flavor, and season-long production. Whether you're introducing a new generation to gardening or growing it because your grandparents did, Kentucky Wonder continues to live up to its legendary reputation as one of the finest pole beans ever developed.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Rattlesnake Pole Bean is famous for producing heavily even during hot, dry summers when many other beans struggle. The vigorous vines climb 8 to 10 feet, making excellent use of vertical garden space while producing harvests over a long season. Gardeners appreciate its beautiful pods, dependable yields, and versatility, as the beans may be harvested young as snap beans, allowed to mature into shell beans, or fully dried for winter storage.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh snap beans
• Southern-style green beans
• Steamed vegetables
• Garlic butter side dishes
• Fresh shell beans
• Soups and stews
• Freezing
• Pressure canning
• Dry bean storage
• Farmers market sales

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

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 8–10 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 60–70 days

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.

Best For

• Home vegetable gardens
• Vertical gardening
• Heirloom gardens
• Fresh eating
• Freezing and canning
• Shell bean production
• Homestead gardens
• Hot summer climates

Seedman Notes

Rattlesnake Pole Bean has remained popular for generations because it simply performs. The striking pods are beautiful on the vine, the vines produce heavily throughout the summer, and the flavor consistently ranks among the very best heirloom beans. For gardeners looking for a productive, heat-tolerant climbing bean with plenty of character, Rattlesnake is hard to beat.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Christmas Pole Butterbean offers outstanding yields while making excellent use of vertical growing space. The vigorous vines continue producing pods throughout the summer and into early fall, often yielding far more than bush lima varieties. The beautiful beans are as ornamental as they are delicious, making this variety equally at home in edible landscapes, heirloom collections, and traditional vegetable gardens. Fresh shelled beans are a true gourmet treat, while dried beans provide outstanding pantry value.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh shelled butterbeans
• Southern-style butterbeans
• Succotash
• Creamy soups
• Stews
• Casseroles
• Vegetable medleys
• Freezing
• Dry bean storage
• Holiday and gourmet meals

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

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus lunatus
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole lima bean
• Vine Length: 8–10 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 85–95 days

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.

Best For

• Heirloom gardens
• Homestead gardens
• Vertical gardening
• Fresh shell beans
• Dry bean production
• Food storage
• Southern gardens
• Gourmet cooking

Seedman Notes

Christmas Pole Butterbean is truly a feast for both the eyes and the table. The spectacular maroon-speckled beans are among the most beautiful you'll ever harvest, while the rich, buttery flavor consistently earns praise from gardeners and cooks alike. If you're looking for an heirloom that combines history, beauty, productivity, and exceptional eating quality, Christmas Pole Butterbean deserves a place in your garden.

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.

Why Grow This Variety

Romano Pole Bean combines the productivity of a climbing bean with the outstanding eating quality that has made flat-podded Italian beans famous around the world. The vines produce continuously until frost, allowing gardeners to harvest baskets of large, tender pods over many weeks. Their broad shape makes harvesting quick and efficient, while the rich flavor and meaty texture elevate countless fresh garden meals.

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.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh snap beans
• Italian side dishes
• Garlic and olive oil sautés
• Steamed vegetables
• Grilled beans
• Stir-fries
• Minestrone soup
• Home freezing
• Pressure canning
• Fresh market sales

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

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual pole bean
• Vine Length: 6–8 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 65–70 days

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.

Best For

• Italian cuisine
• Home vegetable gardens
• Vertical gardening
• Raised beds
• Fresh eating
• Freezing
• Pressure canning
• Market growers

Seedman Notes

Romano Pole Bean offers a wonderful alternative to traditional round snap beans. The broad pods are easy to harvest, remarkably productive, and consistently delicious. If you enjoy Mediterranean cooking or simply appreciate beans with exceptional texture and flavor, Romano deserves a place in your vegetable garden. Once you've tasted fresh Romano beans picked straight from the vine, it's easy to understand why they've remained a favorite for centuries.

Quick Facts

Scarlet Runner Bean is one of the most spectacular vegetables a gardener can grow, combining brilliant ornamental beauty with abundant edible harvests. Native to the cool mountain regions of Central America, this vigorous climbing vine produces dazzling scarlet-red blossoms that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees before developing long, tender green pods and large, colorful beans. Growing 8 to 12 feet tall, Scarlet Runner Bean serves equally well as an ornamental flowering vine, a productive snap bean, a shell bean, or a dry bean, making it one of the most versatile plants in the vegetable garden.

Why Grow This Variety

Few garden plants offer as many benefits as Scarlet Runner Bean. Throughout summer, the vigorous vines become covered with brilliant crimson flowers that attract pollinators from great distances. Continuous flowering is followed by heavy crops of delicious green snap beans, tender shell beans, and attractive mature beans for drying. The lush vines quickly cover fences, trellises, arbors, and pergolas, providing beauty, shade, and generous harvests all season long.

Flavor Profile

Young pods have a rich, slightly sweet bean flavor with a firm, crisp texture. Fresh shelled beans develop a creamy consistency with mild nutty undertones, while mature dried beans offer a hearty flavor well suited for soups, stews, and slow-cooked dishes. Harvesting pods while young ensures the finest tenderness.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh snap beans
• Fresh shell beans
• Dry beans
• Soups and stews
• Succotash
• Stir-fries
• Steamed vegetables
• Home freezing
• Pressure canning
• Edible ornamental gardens

Young pods are prized as snap beans, while mature beans become a nutritious pantry staple after drying.

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus coccineus
• Plant Type: Warm-season annual climbing bean (perennial in frost-free climates)
• Vine Length: 8–12 feet
• Sunlight: Full sun to light afternoon shade in hot climates
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 65–80 days

Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Plant seeds 1½ inches deep and 6 inches apart along sturdy trellises, fences, arches, or bean teepees. Scarlet Runner Beans prefer cooler summer nights than common beans and often continue flowering well into autumn. Regular harvesting encourages continuous flowering and pod production.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest pods when they are 6 to 8 inches long while still smooth and tender. For shell beans, allow pods to become plump before shelling. Mature pods may be left to dry naturally on the vines before harvesting for long-term storage. Properly dried beans remain viable for years when stored in airtight containers.

Best For

• Edible landscaping
• Vertical gardening
• Pollinator gardens
• Hummingbird gardens
• Home vegetable gardens
• Fresh eating
• Dry bean production
• Arbors and trellises

Seedman Notes

Scarlet Runner Bean is one of our favorite multipurpose garden plants because it excels in so many ways. It transforms ordinary trellises into walls of brilliant red flowers, attracts hummingbirds by the dozens, improves soil naturally, and produces generous harvests of delicious beans throughout the season. Whether you're growing vegetables, flowers, or wildlife habitat, Scarlet Runner Bean is one of the most rewarding plants you'll ever add to your garden.

Quick Facts