Pole Bean Seeds - Bunch
$3.25
Phaseolus vulgaris
HEIRLOOM. In 1998, local Asheville gardener Bob Wiggins received seeds of this variety from a gardener in the North Carolina piedmont who told him these beans had been grown in that area for at least 100 years. They were called “Bunch” beans for their habit of growing their abundant pods in clusters very close together. The name might be confusing to folks from Appalachia, where “bunch bean” is synonymous with “bush bean” - but these are a climbing type! The stringless, slightly flattened green beans are perfect when picked at about 6 inches long. The vigorous vines can keep producing from midsummer up until frost.
Direct sow these seeds in a location with full sun after all danger of frost has passed. The climbing plants will quickly need a trellis, so make sure to have one in place at the time of planting. Snap beans will be ready to harvest in about 75 days. 14 gram packet contains a minimum of 35 seeds.
SMALL FARM GROWN by Bob Wiggins, Asheville, NC
- Planting Information
- How to Grow
- Seed Saving
| Min. Seeds/Packet | Packet Weight | Planting Season | Planting Method |
| 35 | 14 g | After last frost | direct seed |
| Seed Depth | Direct Seed Spacing | Soil Temp. Range | Days to Sprout |
| 1" | 2-3" | 60-80°F | 8-16 |
| Mature Spacing | Sun Requirement | Frost Tolerance | Days to Harvest |
| 2-3" | full sun | frost-sensitive | 75 |
Most beans are sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate frost, so we plant directly outside in spring when there's no longer a risk of frost. For many areas, this will be in mid- to late-spring. Pole beans can be planted when the soil temperature reaches 60 F. Pole beans need full sun to grow properly and produce the highest yields, so choose a garden bed that gets lots of exposure throughout the day.
The ideal soil pH for pole beans is between 6 and 6.5. They also need well-draining soil that’s been enriched with organic matter. Combine a well-draining soil, such as silt or loam, with aged compost. If your soil is clay-like, amend with rotted straw, shredded leaves, manure, or shredded bark to help it drain better.
Because pole beans grow tall, they need a support to grow on. It’s easiest to build the support before planting, and this will prevent damage to the beans and roots. The best supports for pole beans include trellises, teepees or pyramids, poles, chicken wire, or large tomato cages.
Use your hands or a spade to build up the soil into long rows that are 30 inches apart. Poke a 1-inch deep hole for each bean, and space the beans 4 inches apart. Place a bean in each hole and cover it loosely with soil.
During active growing periods like sprouting and producing pods, the beans will need sufficient water to grow. Keep the soil evenly moist when you first plant the beans and when they start developing pods. Make sure they get about an inch of water per week.
Adding a layer of mulch to the top of the soil will help the soil retain moisture, regulate temperature, and protect the seedlings. When the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, add a 3-inch layer of mulch to the top of the garden bed.
The first bean pods should be ready for harvest within 50 to 70 days of planting. If you harvest the pods every couple of days as they mature, the plants will continue producing pods for several weeks or more.
Harvest beans from dry plants to prevent the spread of bacteria. If necessary, wait until the late morning or early afternoon so morning dew has dried.
Bean- Bush, Pole, Phaseolus vulgaris
Pollination, self; Life Cycle, annual; Isolation Distance, 20 feet
Cross-pollination is rare with beans, but it is prudent to not grow different varieties next to each other to avoid the risk. Earmark a couple of plants at the beginning of the season for seed saving. To encourage optimal pod development, water very little and don't feed the seed plants, nor pick any pods from them to eat. At the very end of the season, pick the pods when they have turned crisp and brown. Some varieties will shatter –meaning the pod will split open to disperse the seeds- so keep an eye on your seeds' progress and harvest accordingly. With smaller varieties, the whole bush can be uprooted and hung upside-down for drying. The seed inside the pod should be hard. Dry the pods in a well-ventilated place, clean and winnow, and store.