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Abenaki True Cranberry Pole Bean - A beautiful bean that excels for baking and slow cooking. They are exquisite as fresh shelled bean but are excellent as a dry bean. Young pods can be eaten as a snap bean. Cranberry pole beans are from the Abenaki Nation and was a very common garden vegetable for colonists. This bean escaped the commercialization of our agricultural system but it was widespread for gardeners from seed catalogs. Some of the earliest references are from the 1800's with Thornburg's 1829 Seed Catalog referencing cranberry beans. The earliest seed catalogs identify many of the cranberry's being crimson with mottling of white. This cranberry from John Withee's collection he donated to Seedavers in 1981 is a true red though it will produce mottled beans from time to time. John read about the Cranberry Beam in a 1796 American Cookery Book and went on the hunt. He found it 11 years later growing on Mr. Taylor's farm in Steep Falls, Maine. Pole bean Open-Pollinated High Producing Dry, Shelling bean (snap when young) 85 days Grown at Firefly Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Direct Seed 3-4" apart, we like to thin to 6-8" Plant 1" deep Plant Rows 36-48" apart if doing rows. Full sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Abenaki True Cranberry Pole Bean - A beautiful bean that excels for baking and slow cooking. They are exquisite as fresh shelled bean but are excellent as a dry bean. Young pods can be eaten as a snap bean. 
Cranberry pole beans are from the Abenaki Nation and was a very common garden vegetable for colonists. This bean escaped the commercialization of our agricultural system but it was widespread for gardeners from seed catalogs. Some of the earliest references are from the 1800's with Thornburg's 1829 Seed Catalog referencing cranberry beans. The earliest seed catalogs identify many of the cranberry's being crimson with mottling of white. This cranberry from John Withee's collection he donated to Seedavers in 1981 is a true red though it will produce mottled beans from time to time. John read about the Cranberry Beam in a 1796 American Cookery Book and went on the hunt. He found it 11 years later growing on Mr. Taylor's farm in Steep Falls, Maine.  
<ul>
<li>Pole bean</li>
<li>Open-Pollinated</li>
<li>High Producing</li>
<li>Dry, Shelling bean (snap when young)</li>
<li>85 days</li>
<li>Grown at Firefly</li>
</ul>
Instructions -
<meta charset="utf-8">
Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields.
<ul>
<li>Direct Seed 3-4" apart, we like to thin to 6-8"</li>
<li>Plant 1" deep</li>
<li>Plant Rows 36-48" apart if doing rows. </li>
<li>Full sun </li>
</ul>
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at <a href="https://fireflyfarmandmercantile.com/pages/seeds-vegetables">Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)</a>

Abenaki True Cranberry Pole Bean, Native American Heirloom

Firefly Farm Packet - 25 Seeds (8-10' row)

Firefly Farm Packet - 10 Seeds

Alabama Black Eye Lima Bean - A solid producer with excellent taste. The bean is white with a black eye around the hilum which is where its name comes from. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. This one can be traced to the 1830's in seed catalogs and specifically in 1837 of the David Landreth & Sons' Rural Register and Almanac is where Black Eye Lima is mentioned. Later in 1840 the added Alabama is mentioned in a later edition. David Landreth & Sons is a historic seed company from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our source seed is from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Characteristics: Solid producer Pole Lima bean 75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25. Instructions: Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. Ultimately we let them have 8-12" of space between plantings Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. Full Sun

Alabama Black Eye Lima Bean - A solid producer with excellent taste. The bean is white with a black eye around the hilum which is where its name comes from. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. 
This one can be traced to the 1830's in seed catalogs and specifically in 1837 of the David Landreth &amp; Sons' Rural Register and Almanac is where Black Eye Lima is mentioned. Later in 1840 the added Alabama is mentioned in a later edition. David Landreth &amp; Sons is a historic seed company from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Our source seed is from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. 
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Solid producer</li>
<li>Pole Lima bean</li>
<li>75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried</li>
<li>We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25. </li>
</ul>
Instructions: 
Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. 
Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps.  Ultimately we let them have 8-12" of space between plantings
Planting Depth 1"
Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. 
Full Sun

Alabama Black Eye Lima Bean, Pole Butterbean, 1837 Heirloom

Firefly Farm Mini-Packet - 10 Seeds

Firefly Farm Packet - 25 Seeds

Supplies are limited and orders have started pouring in so we have this variety on hold until we pack up more. Alabama Black Butterbeans Alabama Black Butterbean history is tied to a farmer named Sam Reid of Blount County, Alabama. He offered this seed in 1995 and placed an ad in the Alabama Farmers Bulletin. Bill Peters of Alabaster, Al answered the ad and obtained this cool seed. I lived in the neighboring town in the mid 2000's, Chelsea, Alabama and this is where I first tried and heard the name - Alabama Black Butterbeans. I never did get any seeds as life gets crazy and years later I regretted it. It was always in the back of my mind to find these seeds. The seeds were found and amazingly hyper local as my friend Craig (of Hillsboro, WI) actually had this seed and shared some with me as he obtained seeds years prior. I grew my first crop in 2025 and boy did it ever flourish We are lucky to have one of the rarest heirlooms in our collection. Characteristics: Good for the North and Great for the South Rarear Popular Lima We Offer Pole Lima bean Medium sized black seeds 85 days for eating, 105 for dried 25 seeds or enough to do 10-12' of fence. Instructions: Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. Full Sun

Supplies are limited and orders have started pouring in so we have this variety on hold until we pack up more. 
Alabama Black Butterbeans
Alabama Black Butterbean history is tied to a farmer named Sam Reid of Blount County, Alabama. He offered this seed in 1995 and placed an ad in the Alabama Farmers Bulletin. Bill Peters of Alabaster, Al answered the ad and obtained this cool seed. I lived in the neighboring town in the mid 2000's, Chelsea, Alabama and this is where I first tried and heard the name - Alabama Black Butterbeans. 
I never did get any seeds as life gets crazy and years later I regretted it. It was always in the back of my mind to find these seeds. The seeds were found and amazingly hyper local as my friend Craig (of Hillsboro, WI) actually had this seed and shared some with me as he obtained seeds years prior. I grew my first crop in 2025 and boy did it ever flourish  
We are lucky to have one of the rarest heirlooms in our collection. 
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Good for the North and Great for the South</li>
<li>Rarear Popular Lima We Offer</li>
<li>Pole Lima bean</li>
<li>Medium sized black seeds</li>
<li>85 days for eating, 105 for dried</li>
<li>25 seeds or enough to do 10-12' of fence.</li>
</ul>
Instructions: 
Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. 
Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. 
Planting Depth 1"
Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. 
Full Sun

Alabama Black Lima Bean, Butterbean, Alabama Heirloom, Rare

🫘 Antigua Snap Bean The Gourmet French Filet for the Productive Home Garden Elevate your kitchen garden with the Antigua Snap Bean, a premier variety that brings "five-star" culinary quality to an easy-to-grow bush habit. Antigua is a celebrated "French Filet" (Haricot Vert) type, prized for its incredibly slender, straight, and uniform pods. Unlike standard garden beans that can become tough if left on the plant too long, Antigua maintains its tender, "stringless" crunch even as the pods mature. If you are looking for a high-yielding, disease-resistant bean that looks as beautiful on the plate as it does on the bush, Antigua is the gold standard. 📜 Historical Heritage: The Modern French Classic The Antigua bean is a masterpiece of modern horticultural selection, bred to improve upon the legendary French Haricot Vert heritage. Historically, French Filet beans were the pride of 19th-century Parisian market gardens, where they were harvested by hand at a very young age to ensure maximum tenderness. However, many of those older French varieties were susceptible to disease and produced low yields. Antigua was developed to solve these problems—bringing that same "gourmet" slender profile into a robust, high-performing plant. It represents the "best of both worlds": the refined texture of a classic European heirloom paired with the vigor and disease resistance required for a successful modern organic garden. ✨ Product Highlights Gourmet "Filet" Quality: Produces extra-slender, dark-green pods (about 5–6 inches long) that are famous for their crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Concentrated Harvest: Features a heavy "set" of beans all at once, making it the perfect variety for gardeners who want to blanch and freeze their harvest for winter. Disease Resistance Powerhouse: Highly resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) and Anthracnose, ensuring a healthy crop even in damp or challenging summers. Space-Saving Bush Habit: Grows into tidy, 18-inch mounds that do not require trellises or poles—perfect for small plots and raised beds. Totally Stringless: Even when harvested at full size, these beans remain tender and entirely free of tough strings. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Phaseolus vulgaris Plant Type Annual (Bush Snap Bean) Height 18 to 20 inches Sun Requirement Full Sun (6-8+ hours) Days to Maturity 50–55 Days Pod Type French Filet (Slender) 🌱 How to Grow Antigua Snap Beans 1. When to Plant:Beans are heat-loving plants. Direct sow seeds outdoors only after the soil has warmed to at least 65°F and all danger of frost has passed. 2. Sowing the Seeds: Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep. Spacing: Space seeds 2–3 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Note: Do not soak bean seeds before planting, as this can cause the seeds to crack and reduce germination. 3. Maintenance: Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially once the plants begin to flower. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which prevents fungal issues. Avoid High Nitrogen: Too much nitrogen will result in massive green leaves but very few beans! Use a balanced organic compost at planting time. Mulching: A thin layer of straw around the base will help retain moisture and keep the pods clean and off the soil. 4. Harvesting:For the true "French Filet" experience, harvest Antigua beans when they are about the thickness of a pencil. The more frequently you harvest, the more the plant will produce! 🥣 Culinary Inspiration: Haricots Verts au Beurre Because Antigua beans are so slender and tender, they require very little cooking time. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes, then shock them in ice water to preserve their brilliant green color. Sauté quickly in butter with minced garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a classic, professional-grade side dish. Garden Tip: Because Antigua is a bush bean, it is the perfect candidate for succession planting. Sow a new row every 2 weeks through early summer to ensure a continuous supply of fresh, gourmet beans until the first frost! 🧺🌿🇫🇷

<h2 data-line="0" id="🫘 Antigua Snap Bean">🫘 Antigua Snap Bean</h2>
The Gourmet French Filet for the Productive Home Garden
Elevate your kitchen garden with the Antigua Snap Bean, a premier variety that brings "five-star" culinary quality to an easy-to-grow bush habit. Antigua is a celebrated "French Filet" (Haricot Vert) type, prized for its incredibly slender, straight, and uniform pods. Unlike standard garden beans that can become tough if left on the plant too long, Antigua maintains its tender, "stringless" crunch even as the pods mature. If you are looking for a high-yielding, disease-resistant bean that looks as beautiful on the plate as it does on the bush, Antigua is the gold standard.
<hr data-line="5">
<h3 data-line="7" id="📜 Historical Heritage: The Modern French Classic">📜 Historical Heritage: The Modern French Classic</h3>
The Antigua bean is a masterpiece of modern horticultural selection, bred to improve upon the legendary French Haricot Vert heritage. Historically, French Filet beans were the pride of 19th-century Parisian market gardens, where they were harvested by hand at a very young age to ensure maximum tenderness.
However, many of those older French varieties were susceptible to disease and produced low yields. Antigua was developed to solve these problems—bringing that same "gourmet" slender profile into a robust, high-performing plant. It represents the "best of both worlds": the refined texture of a classic European heirloom paired with the vigor and disease resistance required for a successful modern organic garden.
<hr data-line="12">
<h3 data-line="14" id="✨ Product Highlights">✨ Product Highlights</h3>
<ul data-line="15">
<li data-line="15">
Gourmet "Filet" Quality: Produces extra-slender, dark-green pods (about 5–6 inches long) that are famous for their crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture.</li>
<li data-line="16">
Concentrated Harvest: Features a heavy "set" of beans all at once, making it the perfect variety for gardeners who want to blanch and freeze their harvest for winter.</li>
<li data-line="17">
Disease Resistance Powerhouse: Highly resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) and Anthracnose, ensuring a healthy crop even in damp or challenging summers.</li>
<li data-line="18">
Space-Saving Bush Habit: Grows into tidy, 18-inch mounds that do not require trellises or poles—perfect for small plots and raised beds.</li>
<li data-line="19">
Totally Stringless: Even when harvested at full size, these beans remain tender and entirely free of tough strings.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-line="21">
<h3 data-line="23" id="🛠️ Quick Growth Profile">🛠️ Quick Growth Profile</h3>
<table data-line="24">
<thead data-line="24">
<tr data-line="24">
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Specifications</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-line="26">
<tr data-line="26">
<td>Scientific Name</td>
<td>Phaseolus vulgaris</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="27">
<td>Plant Type</td>
<td>Annual (Bush Snap Bean)</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="28">
<td>Height</td>
<td>18 to 20 inches</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="29">
<td>Sun Requirement</td>
<td>Full Sun (6-8+ hours)</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="30">
<td>Days to Maturity</td>
<td>50–55 Days</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="31">
<td>Pod Type</td>
<td>French Filet (Slender)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr data-line="33">
<h3 data-line="35" id="🌱 How to Grow Antigua Snap Beans">🌱 How to Grow Antigua Snap Beans</h3>
1. When to Plant: Beans are heat-loving plants. Direct sow seeds outdoors only after the soil has warmed to at least 65°F and all danger of frost has passed.
2. Sowing the Seeds:
<ul data-line="41">
<li data-line="41">
Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep.</li>
<li data-line="42">
Spacing: Space seeds 2–3 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.</li>
<li data-line="43">
Note: Do not soak bean seeds before planting, as this can cause the seeds to crack and reduce germination.</li>
</ul>
3. Maintenance:
<ul data-line="46">
<li data-line="46">
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially once the plants begin to flower. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which prevents fungal issues.</li>
<li data-line="47">
Avoid High Nitrogen: Too much nitrogen will result in massive green leaves but very few beans! Use a balanced organic compost at planting time.</li>
<li data-line="48">
Mulching: A thin layer of straw around the base will help retain moisture and keep the pods clean and off the soil.</li>
</ul>
4. Harvesting: For the true "French Filet" experience, harvest Antigua beans when they are about the thickness of a pencil. The more frequently you harvest, the more the plant will produce!
<hr data-line="53">
<h3 data-line="55" id="🥣 Culinary Inspiration: Haricots Verts au Beurre">🥣 Culinary Inspiration: Haricots Verts au Beurre</h3>
Because Antigua beans are so slender and tender, they require very little cooking time. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes, then shock them in ice water to preserve their brilliant green color. Sauté quickly in butter with minced garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a classic, professional-grade side dish.
<blockquote data-line="58">
Garden Tip: Because Antigua is a bush bean, it is the perfect candidate for succession planting. Sow a new row every 2 weeks through early summer to ensure a continuous supply of fresh, gourmet beans until the first frost! 🧺🌿🇫🇷
</blockquote>

Antigua Bush Bean, Organic options Available

Firefly 50 Seeds

Firefly 100 Organic Seeds

Seed Exchange - Seeds were originally obtained from the Arikara tribe of North Dakota and introduced in Oscar Will’s Pioneer Indian Collection of seeds (1914). Yellow-tan seeds with red-brown eye rings. Excellent for use as a baking bean. Prolific plants, good drought tolerance. Bush habit, dry, 80-90 days Bush beans Yellow-tan seeds with red-brown eye ring Good drought tolerance Excellent used as a baking bean Dry bean 80-90 days 50 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely mature and dry. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Plant Rows Apart 36"-48"

Seed Exchange - Seeds were originally obtained from the Arikara tribe of North Dakota and introduced in Oscar Will’s Pioneer Indian Collection of seeds (1914). Yellow-tan seeds with red-brown eye rings. Excellent for use as a baking bean. Prolific plants, good drought tolerance. Bush habit, dry, 80-90 days
<ul>
<li>Bush beans</li>
<li>Yellow-tan seeds with red-brown eye ring</li>
<li>Good drought tolerance</li>
<li>Excellent used as a baking bean</li>
<li>Dry bean</li>
<li>80-90 days</li>
<li>50 seeds</li>
</ul>
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely mature and dry.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Planting Depth 1"
Plant Rows Apart 36"-48"

Arikara Yellow Bush Bean, pre-1800's Heirloom

Arikara Yellow Bush Bean, pre-1800’s Heirloom

Firefly Farm Packet 50 Seeds

Seedsavers Exchange 50 Seeds

Aubrey Deanne Lima Bean - A wonderfully delicious and productive lima. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. Aubrey Deanna Butterbeans are recorded from Green County, VA before 1890. Our initial seedstock came from Southern Exposure and Seedsavers Exchange. The history is a bit scarce on this one so we welcome any stories or interesting tidbits on this precious heirloom Characteristics: Prized for its disease resistance Heavy Yields Prolific producer Pole Lima bean 75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25. Instructions: Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. Full Sun

Aubrey Deanne Lima Bean - A wonderfully delicious and productive lima. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. 
Aubrey Deanna Butterbeans are recorded from Green County, VA before 1890. Our initial seedstock came from Southern Exposure and Seedsavers Exchange. The history is a bit scarce on this one so we welcome any stories or interesting tidbits on this precious heirloom
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Prized for its disease resistance</li>
<li>Heavy Yields</li>
<li>Prolific producer</li>
<li>Pole Lima bean</li>
<li>75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried</li>
<li>We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25. </li>
</ul>
Instructions: 
Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. 
Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. 
Planting Depth 1"
Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. 
Full Sun

Aubrey Deanne Lima Bean, Pole Butterbean, pre-1890 Heirloom

The Seed Exchange - This bean’s longtime steward—Stephen Deane of Wayne, Maine—described it as “the finest variety of large, white baking bean that anyone here has ever had.” Ideal for baking and making soup, the kidney-shaped bean (developed by Stephen’s Uncle Bert) has a mild flavor as well as a light, “fluffy” texture and cooks quickly. Plants reach 1-1.5' tall and mature mid-season; each pod has 4-5 seeds and measures 5-6" long when fully expanded. Bush habit, dry. 80 days to dry beans. Organic. From the Collection for 2022 Organic Bush bean White kidney-shaped bean Light "fluffy" texture cooks quickly Dry bean Bush habit 80 days Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely mature and dry. Direct Seed: 2" Apart Seed Depth: 1" Rows Apart: 36-48" Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

The Seed Exchange - This bean’s longtime steward—Stephen Deane of Wayne, Maine—described it as “the finest variety of large, white baking bean that anyone here has ever had.” Ideal for baking and making soup, the kidney-shaped bean (developed by Stephen’s Uncle Bert) has a mild flavor as well as a light, “fluffy” texture and cooks quickly. Plants reach 1-1.5' tall and mature mid-season; each pod has 4-5 seeds and measures 5-6" long when fully expanded. Bush habit, dry. 80 days to dry beans. Organic.
<ul>
<li>From the Collection for 2022</li>
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Bush bean</li>
<li>White kidney-shaped bean</li>
<li>Light "fluffy" texture cooks quickly</li>
<li>Dry bean</li>
<li>Bush habit</li>
<li>80 days</li>
</ul>
Instructions - <meta charset="utf-8">Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely mature and dry.
Direct Seed: 2" Apart 
Seed Depth: 1"
Rows Apart: 36-48"
Light: Full Sun 
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at <a href="https://fireflyfarmandmercantile.com/pages/seeds-vegetables" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://fireflyfarmandmercantile.com/pages/seeds-vegetables">Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)</a>

Bert Dean's Baking Bean, 1897 Heirloom

Default Title

The Seed Savers Exchange - Edible? Check! Ornamental? Check! Heirloom? Check! This unique runner bean produces sturdy 6-7’ vines that bear both vivid scarlet blooms and flavorful beans that are edible at the immature pod stage (like a green bean) and at the mature stage (like a kidney bean). Pretty, plump bean seeds change first from pink to purple, and finally to a glossy, ebony black. Dating back to the mid-1600s, this variety was first recorded by German botanist Michael Titius in his Catalogues Plantarum. 75 days. Characteristics: Scarlet blossoms Beans mature to black and speckled mauve Used for ornamental purposes or as small snap pods or green shell beans Pole bean 75 days 25 seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Runner beans prefer full sun, although they tolerate part shade very well. Young pods can be eaten whole, or the beans can be eaten fresh or dried. Even the flowers are edible. Direct Seed 2" apart Seed Depth: 1" Rows Apart: 24-36" Support: Trellis, tepee, or netting Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Edible? Check! Ornamental? Check! Heirloom? Check! This unique runner bean produces sturdy 6-7’ vines that bear both vivid scarlet blooms and flavorful beans that are edible at the immature pod stage (like a green bean) and at the mature stage (like a kidney bean). Pretty, plump bean seeds change first from pink to purple, and finally to a glossy, ebony black. Dating back to the mid-1600s, this variety was first recorded by German botanist Michael Titius in his Catalogues Plantarum. 75 days.
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Scarlet blossoms</li>
<li>Beans mature to black and speckled mauve</li>
<li>Used for ornamental purposes or as small snap pods or green shell beans</li>
<li>Pole bean</li>
<li>75 days</li>
<li>25 seeds per packet </li>
</ul>
Instructions - <meta charset="utf-8">Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Runner beans prefer full sun, although they tolerate part shade very well. Young pods can be eaten whole, or the beans can be eaten fresh or dried. Even the flowers are edible.
Direct Seed 2" apart
<meta charset="utf-8">Seed Depth: 1"
<meta charset="utf-8">Rows Apart: 24-36"
<meta charset="utf-8">Support: Trellis, tepee, or netting
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Black Coat Runner Bean, 1600's Heirloom

The Seed Exchange - Introduced in 1897 by Peter Henderson & Company. Shiny black seeds in 6" pods. A great dual-purpose variety, use for fresh snap beans or dry soup beans. Prolific and dependable. Tolerant of cool temperatures. Bush habit, snap or dry, 50-55 days. ±1,300 seeds/lb. Bush bean Black seeds Prolific and dependable Cool-weather tolerant Snap or dry bean 50-55 days 50 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely mature and dry. Direct Seed: 2" Apart Seed Depth: 1" Rows Apart: 36-48" Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

The Seed Exchange - <meta charset="utf-8">Introduced in 1897 by Peter Henderson &amp; Company. Shiny black seeds in 6" pods. A great dual-purpose variety, use for fresh snap beans or dry soup beans. Prolific and dependable. Tolerant of cool temperatures. Bush habit, snap or dry, 50-55 days. ±1,300 seeds/lb.
<ul>
<li>Bush bean</li>
<li>Black seeds</li>
<li>Prolific and dependable</li>
<li>Cool-weather tolerant</li>
<li>Snap or dry bean</li>
<li>50-55 days</li>
<li>50 Seeds per packet 
</li>
</ul>
 
Instructions - <meta charset="utf-8">Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely mature and dry.
Direct Seed: 2" Apart 
Seed Depth: 1"
Rows Apart: 36-48"
Light: Full Sun 
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at <a href="https://fireflyfarmandmercantile.com/pages/seeds-vegetables" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://fireflyfarmandmercantile.com/pages/seeds-vegetables">Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)</a>

Black Valentine Bush Bean, 1897 Heirloom

Firefly Farm 50 Seeds

Seedsavers Exchange 50 Organic Seeds

Blue Coco Pole Bean or Coco Bleu de Louviers is a vigorous and high producing pole bean. Its tender and sweet beans are a hit when eating fresh, cooked as a snap bean or saved as a dry bean for soups and other dishes. Blue Coco has been documented as early as 1775 in France. Its purple blue beans also are a knockout in the yard and garden because of their bold color. This is a kid favorite for its juicy and sweet pods as much as it is for the color. We grow this each year to offer as seeds. The dried seeds are a light brown in color. This bean is grown at Firefly Farm in our hierloom production garden. Pole bean Open-Pollinated High Producing Snap bean 60 days Grown at Firefly Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Direct Seed 3-4" apart, we like to thin to 6-8" Plant 1" deep Plant Rows 36-48" apart if doing rows. Full sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Blue Coco Pole Bean or Coco Bleu de Louviers is a vigorous and high producing pole bean. Its tender and sweet beans are a hit when eating fresh, cooked as a snap bean or saved as a dry bean for soups and other dishes. Blue Coco has been documented as early as 1775 in France. Its purple blue beans also are a knockout in the yard and garden because of their bold color. This is a kid favorite for its juicy and sweet pods as much as it is for the color. We grow this each year to offer as seeds. The dried seeds are a light brown in color.  This bean is grown at Firefly Farm in our hierloom production garden. 
<ul>
<li>Pole bean</li>
<li>Open-Pollinated</li>
<li>High Producing</li>
<li>Snap bean</li>
<li>60 days</li>
<li>Grown at Firefly</li>
</ul>
Instructions -
<meta charset="utf-8">
Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields.
<ul>
<li>Direct Seed 3-4" apart, we like to thin to 6-8"</li>
<li>Plant 1" deep</li>
<li>Plant Rows 36-48" apart if doing rows. </li>
<li>Full sun </li>
</ul>
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at <a href="https://fireflyfarmandmercantile.com/pages/seeds-vegetables">Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)</a>

Blue Coco Pole Bean, 1775 French Heirloom

Firefly Farm Packet - 100 Seeds

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - A vigorous bush-producing round straight pods with fine flavor. Prolific. Resistant to bean mosaic virus. 15-18 in. plant with mostly stringless 6-8 in. pods. Excellent for freezing or canning. Certified Organic Heirloom Especially well-suited to the South-East, popular from coast to coast. Snap Bean 1 oz, ~50 seeds Instructions - Peppering seeds with inoculants before sowing helps ensure good growth. Beans may benefit from a source of soluble nitrogen (if your soil is low in nitrogen) during the first 3 weeks until nitrogen-fixing nodules develop, but do not apply nitrogen after this period. Dark-seeded beans are more resistant to rotting in cool soil than light-seeded beans. Beans need a minimum soil temperature of 65 degrees F to germinate well, otherwise, seeds may rot. Plant every 3 weeks for a steady supply. For snap beans, pick before seeds fill the pods. Keep well picked so that plants continue to bear. Well-drained garden soil; do best in soils with pH above 6.0. After the last frost, plant seeds 1 in. deep Plant 2 in. apart Rows: 12-18 in. apart Thinning: 4 in. apart Avoid watering the plants in the evening. Mulch plants to prevent rain from splashing dirt on beans. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

<div>
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - <meta charset="utf-8">A vigorous bush-producing round straight pods with fine flavor. Prolific. Resistant to bean mosaic virus. 15-18 in. plant with mostly stringless 6-8 in. pods. Excellent for freezing or canning. 
<ul>
<li>Certified Organic </li>
<li>Heirloom </li>
<li>Especially well-suited to the South-East, popular from coast to coast.</li>
<li>Snap Bean</li>
<li>1 oz, ~50 seeds 
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<blockquote>
<ul></ul>
</blockquote>
Instructions - Peppering seeds with inoculants before sowing helps ensure good growth. Beans may benefit from a source of soluble nitrogen (if your soil is low in nitrogen) during the first 3 weeks until nitrogen-fixing nodules develop, but do not apply nitrogen after this period. Dark-seeded beans are more resistant to rotting in cool soil than light-seeded beans. Beans need a minimum soil temperature of 65 degrees F to germinate well, otherwise, seeds may rot. Plant every 3 weeks for a steady supply. For snap beans, pick before seeds fill the pods. Keep well picked so that plants continue to bear. 
<ul>
<li>Well-drained garden soil; do best in soils with pH above 6.0. </li>
<li>After the last frost, plant seeds 1 in. deep</li>
<li>Plant 2 in. apart </li>
<li>Rows: 12-18 in. apart </li>
<li>Thinning: 4 in. apart </li>
<li>Avoid watering the plants in the evening. </li>
<li>Mulch plants to prevent rain from splashing dirt on beans. </li>
</ul>
 
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Blue Lake Bush Snap Bean, Organic

Seed Exchange - In 1898 Abel Steele of Ferguson, Ontario won a $25.00 prize for naming this new variety from Peter Henderson & Company, previously known as “New Green Bush Bean No. 1.” Heavy crops of excellent quality, brittle, stringless 6-7" pods. Productive plants grow up to 18" tall. Sprawling bush habit, snap, 45-50 days Bush bean Sprawling bush habit Stringless pods Extremely productive Snap bean 45-50 days 50 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Trellis, Fence, or Tee-Pee Rows 36-48" apart

Seed Exchange - In 1898 Abel Steele of Ferguson, Ontario won a $25.00 prize for naming this new variety from Peter Henderson &amp; Company, previously known as “New Green Bush Bean No. 1.” Heavy crops of excellent quality, brittle, stringless 6-7" pods. Productive plants grow up to 18" tall. Sprawling bush habit, snap, 45-50 days
<ul>
<li>Bush bean</li>
<li>Sprawling bush habit</li>
<li>Stringless pods</li>
<li>Extremely productive</li>
<li>Snap bean</li>
<li>45-50 days</li>
<li>50 seeds</li>
</ul>
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Planting Depth 1"
Trellis, Fence, or Tee-Pee
Rows 36-48" apart

Bountiful Bean, 1898 Heirloom, organic available

Broad Windsor Fava Beans - A cool season favorite! Fava beans are used all over the world and are incredibly versatile. They are a favorite for us as it is great to start sowing as soon as the ground unfreezes. Typically the soil is 40 degrees for the best time to sow. The plants can withstand freezing temps but to help germinate it is ok to cover to trap some additional heat. Yes, Grilled Fava Beans are a thing! This heirloom fava bean is a favorite and has stood the test of time. each pod contains 6-8 beans on average. Beans can be prepared in so many ways - fresh beans are often grilled (my personal favorite), steamed or sauted, while dried beans are your in soups, dips, and roasted Organic or Conventional Available Bush type Bean (2-4' tall plants so some trellising can be helpful 85 day Instructions - Fruits must set before temps reach 70 degrees. This variety is often planted whent he ground is workable. It does not need much protection, but any protection will help it grow and set pods faster. In mild climates, plant in the fall or in cold climates, plant whent he soil is workable. Direct Seed 4-6" apart Planting Depth 1" Thin 6" apart This an easy seed to save too! Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Broad Windsor Fava Beans - A cool season favorite! Fava beans are used all over the world and are incredibly versatile. They are a favorite for us as it is great to start sowing as soon as the ground unfreezes. Typically the soil is 40 degrees for the best time to sow. The plants can withstand freezing temps but to help germinate it is ok to cover to trap some additional heat. 
Yes, Grilled Fava Beans are a thing!  This heirloom fava bean is a favorite and has stood the test of time. each pod contains 6-8 beans on average. Beans can be prepared in so many ways - fresh beans are often grilled (my personal favorite), steamed or sauted, while dried beans are your in soups, dips, and roasted
<ul>
<li>Organic or Conventional Available</li>
<li>Bush type Bean (2-4' tall plants so some trellising can be helpful</li>
<li>85 day</li>
</ul>
Instructions - Fruits must set before temps reach 70 degrees. This variety is often planted whent he ground is workable.  It does not need much protection, but any protection will help it grow and set pods faster. In mild climates, plant in the fall or in cold climates, plant whent he soil is workable. 
<ul>
<li>Direct Seed 4-6" apart</li>
<li>Planting Depth 1"</li>
<li>Thin 6" apart</li>
</ul>
This an easy seed to save too! 
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Broad Windsor Fava Bean, 1863 Heirloom, Both Organic & Conventional Available

Conventional 2 oz (~40 seeds)

Organic 1 oz (~20 seeds)

Conventional 1 lb (~320 seeds)

🫘 Broughton Astley Polish Pole Bean The "Lavender-Dusted" Jewel of the English Countryside Discover the extraordinary beauty and rich history of the Broughton Astley Polish Pole Bean. Unlike any other bean in the garden, this rare heirloom produces small, perfectly round seeds that resemble polished marbles or precious jewels. With a base color of warm taupe-brown "dusted" with a delicate frosting of lavender and purple speckles, these beans are as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat. A vigorous and prolific climber, Broughton Astley is a must-have for the collector of unique heritage seeds and the gourmet chef alike. Used for snap beans and for dried beans. 📜 Historical Heritage: From Poland to Leicestershire The history of this bean is a testament to the quiet, enduring power of family seed-saving. While its deep roots are in Poland, it achieved its modern fame in the small village of Broughton Astley in Leicestershire, England. According to horticultural records, the seeds were grown in the same Broughton Astley garden for over 40 years before being shared with the wider seed-saving community. It was brought to the United States (specifically the Pacific Northwest) in the early 2000s, where it was stabilized and popularized. Historically, this bean represents the "migrant heritage" of European seeds—carried by families across borders and preserved for decades in small village plots. While it shares a name with the larger, flatter "Broughton-Ashley" strain, the Astley is a distinct lineage, prized for its petite, spherical seeds and its remarkable productivity in cooler, temperate climates. ✨ Product Highlights Jewel-Like Appearance: Features small, round, spherical seeds with a unique lavender-on-tan marbled pattern. Exceptional Soup Bean: Known for a dense, creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that holds up perfectly in slow-cooked stews and soups. Prolific "Plump" Pods: Produces clusters of short, 3-to-4-inch pods that are thick and "stuffed" with seeds. Cool-Season Resilient: Bred in the damp, cool climate of England, it is exceptionally well-suited for the Pacific Northwest and Northern garden zones. Space-Efficient Climber: Grows vigorously upwards, allowing you to harvest hundreds of beans from a very small footprint of garden soil. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Phaseolus vulgaris Plant Type Heirloom Pole Bean Height 6 to 8 feet Days to Maturity 65 (Snap) / 95 (Dry) Sun Requirement Full Sun (6-8+ hours) Seed Texture Creamy and Dense Origin Poland (via Broughton Astley, UK) 🌱 How to Grow Broughton Astley Polish Pole Beans 1. Sowing the Seeds:These beans love a steady start. Wait until the soil is warm and the nights are no longer chilly. When: Direct sow outdoors when the soil temperature reaches 65°F. Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep. Spacing: Space seeds 3–4 inches apart at the base of a sturdy trellis, cattle panel, or bean teepee. 2. Maintenance: Support: Provide vertical support early. These vines are slender but very productive and will quickly spiral upwards. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Because the pods are small and grow in clusters, good airflow is essential to prevent mildew. Soil: Thrives in average garden soil amended with a little compost. Like most beans, they do not require heavy nitrogen fertilization. 3. The Harvest: Snap Stage: While primarily a dry bean, the pods can be eaten as snaps when they are very young and the seeds have not yet begun to bulge. Dry Stage: For the best "jewel" color, allow the pods to dry completely on the vine until they are brittle and tan. When you crack them open, the lavender-dusted marbles will be waiting inside! 🥣 Culinary Tip: The "Polished" Plate Because these beans are small and round, they cook faster than larger kidney beans. They are the perfect choice for a "white" chili or a traditional Polish bean soup with marjoram and root vegetables. Their unique color makes them a stunning conversational piece when served in a clear glass jar or used in a fresh bean salad. Garden Tip: If you are a seed saver, this is a dream variety. The seeds are so distinct in shape and color that they are very easy to keep pure, and they always spark joy during the autumn shelling process. 🫘💎🇬🇧

<h2 id="🫘 Broughton Astley Polish Pole Bean" data-line="0">🫘 Broughton Astley Polish Pole Bean</h2>
The "Lavender-Dusted" Jewel of the English Countryside
Discover the extraordinary beauty and rich history of the Broughton Astley Polish Pole Bean. Unlike any other bean in the garden, this rare heirloom produces small, perfectly round seeds that resemble polished marbles or precious jewels. With a base color of warm taupe-brown "dusted" with a delicate frosting of lavender and purple speckles, these beans are as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat. A vigorous and prolific climber, Broughton Astley is a must-have for the collector of unique heritage seeds and the gourmet chef alike. Used for snap beans and for dried beans. 
<hr data-line="5">
<h3 id="📜 Historical Heritage: From Poland to Leicestershire" data-line="7">📜 Historical Heritage: From Poland to Leicestershire</h3>
The history of this bean is a testament to the quiet, enduring power of family seed-saving. While its deep roots are in Poland, it achieved its modern fame in the small village of Broughton Astley in Leicestershire, England.
According to horticultural records, the seeds were grown in the same Broughton Astley garden for over 40 years before being shared with the wider seed-saving community. It was brought to the United States (specifically the Pacific Northwest) in the early 2000s, where it was stabilized and popularized.
Historically, this bean represents the "migrant heritage" of European seeds—carried by families across borders and preserved for decades in small village plots. While it shares a name with the larger, flatter "Broughton-Ashley" strain, the Astley is a distinct lineage, prized for its petite, spherical seeds and its remarkable productivity in cooler, temperate climates.
<hr data-line="14">
<h3 id="✨ Product Highlights" data-line="16">✨ Product Highlights</h3>
<ul data-line="17">
<li data-line="17">
Jewel-Like Appearance: Features small, round, spherical seeds with a unique lavender-on-tan marbled pattern.</li>
<li data-line="18">
Exceptional Soup Bean: Known for a dense, creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that holds up perfectly in slow-cooked stews and soups.</li>
<li data-line="19">
Prolific "Plump" Pods: Produces clusters of short, 3-to-4-inch pods that are thick and "stuffed" with seeds.</li>
<li data-line="20">
Cool-Season Resilient: Bred in the damp, cool climate of England, it is exceptionally well-suited for the Pacific Northwest and Northern garden zones.</li>
<li data-line="21">
Space-Efficient Climber: Grows vigorously upwards, allowing you to harvest hundreds of beans from a very small footprint of garden soil.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-line="23">
<h3 id="🛠️ Quick Growth Profile" data-line="25">🛠️ Quick Growth Profile</h3>
<table data-line="26">
<thead data-line="26">
<tr data-line="26">
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Specifications</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-line="28">
<tr data-line="28">
<td>Scientific Name</td>
<td>Phaseolus vulgaris</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="29">
<td>Plant Type</td>
<td>Heirloom Pole Bean</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="30">
<td>Height</td>
<td>6 to 8 feet</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="31">
<td>Days to Maturity</td>
<td>65 (Snap) / 95 (Dry)</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="32">
<td>Sun Requirement</td>
<td>Full Sun (6-8+ hours)</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="33">
<td>Seed Texture</td>
<td>Creamy and Dense</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="34">
<td>Origin</td>
<td>Poland (via Broughton Astley, UK)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr data-line="36">
<h3 id="🌱 How to Grow Broughton Astley Polish Pole Beans" data-line="38">🌱 How to Grow Broughton Astley Polish Pole Beans</h3>
1. Sowing the Seeds: These beans love a steady start. Wait until the soil is warm and the nights are no longer chilly.
<ul data-line="42">
<li data-line="42">
When: Direct sow outdoors when the soil temperature reaches 65°F.</li>
<li data-line="43">
Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep.</li>
<li data-line="44">
Spacing: Space seeds 3–4 inches apart at the base of a sturdy trellis, cattle panel, or bean teepee.</li>
</ul>
2. Maintenance:
<ul data-line="47">
<li data-line="47">
Support: Provide vertical support early. These vines are slender but very productive and will quickly spiral upwards.</li>
<li data-line="48">
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Because the pods are small and grow in clusters, good airflow is essential to prevent mildew.</li>
<li data-line="49">
Soil: Thrives in average garden soil amended with a little compost. Like most beans, they do not require heavy nitrogen fertilization.</li>
</ul>
3. The Harvest:
<ul data-line="52">
<li data-line="52">
Snap Stage: While primarily a dry bean, the pods can be eaten as snaps when they are very young and the seeds have not yet begun to bulge.</li>
<li data-line="53">
Dry Stage: For the best "jewel" color, allow the pods to dry completely on the vine until they are brittle and tan. When you crack them open, the lavender-dusted marbles will be waiting inside!</li>
</ul>
<hr data-line="55">
<h3 id='🥣 Culinary Tip: The "Polished" Plate' data-line="57">🥣 Culinary Tip: The "Polished" Plate</h3>
Because these beans are small and round, they cook faster than larger kidney beans. They are the perfect choice for a "white" chili or a traditional Polish bean soup with marjoram and root vegetables. Their unique color makes them a stunning conversational piece when served in a clear glass jar or used in a fresh bean salad.
<blockquote data-line="60">
Garden Tip: If you are a seed saver, this is a dream variety. The seeds are so distinct in shape and color that they are very easy to keep pure, and they always spark joy during the autumn shelling process. 🫘💎🇬🇧
</blockquote>

Broughton Astley Polish Pole Bean, Polish/UK Heirloom

Burgundy Wine Lima Bean - Gorgeous lima and a heavy producer. In our zone 4 garden we plenty to eat and plenty to raise for seed. This is a pole lima that excelled for us. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. The origin of the Burgundy Wine Lima is of interest for Dr. John Wyche fans. It is thought this was one he raised. The lineage of this seed is not direct but that is part of Seedsaving! Mary Schultz of Monroe, Washington donated to Seedsavers Exchange (where I requested my original seedstock from). She received it from Lloyd Duggins of Indiana. And he received it from Dr. John Wyche is how it is understood. However it came to be, it is a beast of a producer. Characteristics: Good for the North and Great for the South Prolific producer Pole Lima bean 75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25. Instructions: Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. Full Sun

Burgundy Wine Lima Bean - Gorgeous lima and a heavy producer. In our zone 4 garden we plenty to eat and plenty to raise for seed.  This is a pole lima that excelled for us. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. 
The origin of the Burgundy Wine Lima is of interest for Dr. John Wyche fans. It is thought this was one he raised. The lineage of this seed is not direct but that is part of Seedsaving! Mary Schultz of Monroe, Washington donated to Seedsavers Exchange (where I requested my original seedstock from). She received it from Lloyd Duggins of Indiana. And he received it from Dr. John Wyche is how it is understood. However it came to be, it is a beast of a producer. 
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Good for the North and Great for the South</li>
<li>Prolific producer</li>
<li>Pole Lima bean</li>
<li>75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried</li>
<li>We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25. </li>
</ul>
Instructions: 
Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. 
Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. 
Planting Depth 1"
Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. 
Full Sun

Burgundy Wine Lima Bean, Pole Butterbean, Heirloom from Dr. Wyche

Burpee's Stringless Green Bean: The Heirloom Legend 🌿 Introduced by W. Atlee Burpee in 1894, this variety revolutionized the vegetable garden. Before this bean, almost every green bean required "stringing"—the tedious task of zipping off the tough fiber along the seam. Burpee's Stringless changed everything, providing a meaty, juicy, and entirely fiber-free crunch that has made it a backyard staple for over 130 years. ✨ Why Burpee's Stringless is a Must-Have Whether you are a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, this bean is prized for its reliability and exceptional flavor. Truly Stringless: Enjoy crisp, tender pods without the tough, woody "string" found in older varieties. Early & Productive: One of the earliest beans to harvest, typically reaching maturity in just 50 days. Bush Habit: No trellis? No problem! These plants grow in compact, sturdy bushes (approx. 18-24 inches tall), making them perfect for raised beds, containers, or traditional rows. Superior Flavor: Known for its "meaty" texture and a deep, classic bean flavor that holds up well during cooking. Wide Adaptability: Highly resilient and famous for producing heavy yields even in varied climates and soil types. 🌿 Product Specifications Feature Details Common Name Burpee's Stringless Green Pod Botanical Name Phaseolus vulgaris Days to Maturity 50 – 55 Days Plant Type Bush Bean (Determinate) Pod Length 5 – 6 Inches Sun Requirement Full Sun Seed Saving Group Phaseolus vulgaris (Self-pollinating) 📖 Growing & Harvesting Tips Pro Tip: For a continuous harvest all summer long, practice succession planting. Sow a new round of seeds every 2–3 weeks until about 60 days before your first expected fall frost. Direct Sow: Beans do not like their roots disturbed. Plant seeds directly in the garden once the soil is warm (at least 65°F). Planting Depth: Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 2–4 inches apart. Harvest Often: The more you pick, the more the plant produces! Harvest when pods are about 5 inches long and the seeds inside haven't yet begun to "bulge." Avoid Wet Foliage: To prevent disease, try to harvest and weed when the plants are dry. 🍽️ Best Ways to Enjoy Fresh Snapping: Perfect for "snap beans"—just break the ends off and toss them into a pan. Canning & Freezing: Because they are so meaty and hold their shape, these are the gold standard for home preservation. Southern Style: Excellent when slow-simmered with a bit of bacon or ham hock for a traditional side dish. Taste a piece of garden history. Add the reliable, delicious Burpee's Stringless Green Bean to your seed collection! 🛒🧺

<h1 data-line="0" id="Burpee's Stringless Green Bean: The Heirloom Legend 🌿">Burpee's Stringless Green Bean: The Heirloom Legend 🌿</h1>
Introduced by W. Atlee Burpee in 1894, this variety revolutionized the vegetable garden. Before this bean, almost every green bean required "stringing"—the tedious task of zipping off the tough fiber along the seam. Burpee's Stringless changed everything, providing a meaty, juicy, and entirely fiber-free crunch that has made it a backyard staple for over 130 years.
<hr data-line="4">
<h2 data-line="6" id="✨ Why Burpee's Stringless is a Must-Have">✨ Why Burpee's Stringless is a Must-Have</h2>
Whether you are a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, this bean is prized for its reliability and exceptional flavor.
<ul data-line="10">
<li data-line="10">
Truly Stringless: Enjoy crisp, tender pods without the tough, woody "string" found in older varieties.</li>
<li data-line="11">
Early &amp; Productive: One of the earliest beans to harvest, typically reaching maturity in just 50 days.</li>
<li data-line="12">
Bush Habit: No trellis? No problem! These plants grow in compact, sturdy bushes (approx. 18-24 inches tall), making them perfect for raised beds, containers, or traditional rows.</li>
<li data-line="13">
Superior Flavor: Known for its "meaty" texture and a deep, classic bean flavor that holds up well during cooking.</li>
<li data-line="14">
Wide Adaptability: Highly resilient and famous for producing heavy yields even in varied climates and soil types.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-line="16">
<h2 data-line="18" id="🌿 Product Specifications">🌿 Product Specifications</h2>
<table data-line="20">
<thead data-line="20">
<tr data-line="20">
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Details</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-line="22">
<tr data-line="22">
<td>Common Name</td>
<td>Burpee's Stringless Green Pod</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="23">
<td>Botanical Name</td>
<td>Phaseolus vulgaris</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="24">
<td>Days to Maturity</td>
<td>50 – 55 Days</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="25">
<td>Plant Type</td>
<td>Bush Bean (Determinate)</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="26">
<td>Pod Length</td>
<td>5 – 6 Inches</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="27">
<td>Sun Requirement</td>
<td>Full Sun</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="28">
<td>Seed Saving Group</td>
<td>
Phaseolus vulgaris (Self-pollinating)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr data-line="30">
<h2 data-line="32" id="📖 Growing &amp; Harvesting Tips">📖 Growing &amp; Harvesting Tips</h2>
<blockquote data-line="34">
Pro Tip: For a continuous harvest all summer long, practice succession planting. Sow a new round of seeds every 2–3 weeks until about 60 days before your first expected fall frost.
</blockquote>
<ol data-line="36">
<li data-line="36">
Direct Sow: Beans do not like their roots disturbed. Plant seeds directly in the garden once the soil is warm (at least 65°F).</li>
<li data-line="37">
Planting Depth: Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 2–4 inches apart.</li>
<li data-line="38">
Harvest Often: The more you pick, the more the plant produces! Harvest when pods are about 5 inches long and the seeds inside haven't yet begun to "bulge."</li>
<li data-line="39">
Avoid Wet Foliage: To prevent disease, try to harvest and weed when the plants are dry.</li>
</ol>
<hr data-line="41">
<h2 data-line="43" id="🍽️ Best Ways to Enjoy">🍽️ Best Ways to Enjoy</h2>
<ul data-line="45">
<li data-line="45">
Fresh Snapping: Perfect for "snap beans"—just break the ends off and toss them into a pan.</li>
<li data-line="46">
Canning &amp; Freezing: Because they are so meaty and hold their shape, these are the gold standard for home preservation.</li>
<li data-line="47">
Southern Style: Excellent when slow-simmered with a bit of bacon or ham hock for a traditional side dish.</li>
</ul>
Taste a piece of garden history. Add the reliable, delicious Burpee's Stringless Green Bean to your seed collection! 🛒🧺

Burpee's Stringless Green Pod Bush Bean, 1894 Heirloom

🫘 Cades Cove Greasy Bean The "Slick" Heirloom of the Great Smoky Mountains Step into the mist-covered history of the Appalachians with the Cades Cove Greasy Bean. Named after the iconic and picturesque valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this bean is a legendary "connoisseur’s" heirloom. Prized for its slick, hairless pods that appear to have been polished with oil, the Cades Cove variety offers a rich, savory flavor and a "meaty" texture that has made it a centerpiece of mountain foodways for over a century. Of all our greasies, these produces the most! 📜 Historical Heritage: A "Lost" Community Treasure The story of the Cades Cove Greasy Bean is a poignant piece of American history. Before it was a National Park, Cades Cove was a thriving, self-sufficient farming community in Tennessee. For generations, families like the Olivers, Shields, and Tiptons selected and saved seeds that could thrive in the valley's unique microclimate. When the National Park was established in the 1930s and the residents were relocated, many took their most precious possessions with them: their seeds. This specific greasy bean was preserved by these families and eventually shared with heirloom collectors and the Seed Savers Exchange. To plant Cades Cove beans is to grow a living souvenir of a "lost" community and to honor the resilience of the Appalachian people who refused to let their heritage fade away. ✨ What Makes a "Greasy" Bean Different? The "Grease" Shine: Most green beans have tiny, microscopic hairs (trichomes) that make them look matte or fuzzy. Greasy beans lack these hairs entirely. The smooth skin reflects light, making the pods look shiny or "greasy" even when they are still on the vine. Tender at Maturity: While most beans become "woody" and tough as the seeds inside grow large, greasy beans stay tender. They are traditionally harvested when the pods are "full" and lumpy with plump seeds. Rich, Silky Mouthfeel: When slow-simmered, the hairless skins take on a silky, buttery texture that provides a much richer culinary experience than standard "Blue Lake" types. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Phaseolus vulgaris Origin Cades Cove, TN (Great Smoky Mountains) Plant Type Heirloom Pole Bean Height 7 to 9 feet (Requires Trellis) Days to Maturity 75–85 Days Seed Appearance Typically white or off-white Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) 🌱 How to Grow Cades Cove Greasy Beans 1. Sowing the Seeds:Like all mountain heirlooms, Cades Cove beans love warm soil and plenty of sun. When: Direct sow outdoors only after the soil is thoroughly warm (65°F+). Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep. Support: These are vigorous, high-climbing vines. Ensure your trellis, cattle panel, or "A-frame" is at least 7–8 feet tall and installed before planting. 2. Maintenance: Spacing: Space seeds 4–6 inches apart along your support. Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and pod-setting stages. Avoid overhead watering to keep the slick pods clean. Strings: Like most authentic Appalachian greasy beans, these have strings. Removing the strings is a traditional "front porch" activity that heralds a delicious meal. 3. Harvesting:For the best flavor, harvest when the pods are 4 to 5 inches long and the beans inside are plump. If you keep the vines picked, they will produce heavily until the first frost. 🥣 Culinary Inspiration: The "Leather Britches" Tradition In the Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove beans were traditionally used to make "Leather Britches" (shuck beans). The pods were strung together with a needle and thread and hung to dry. During the winter, they were rehydrated and slow-simmered with a piece of smoked fatback or bacon. The result is a smoky, savory dish that tastes like the concentrated essence of summer. Garden Tip: Cades Cove Greasy Beans are famous for their "beany" richness. When cooking fresh, simmer them "low and slow" with garlic and a ham hock for the most authentic Appalachian experience. 🫘🏔️✨

<h2 id="🫘 Cades Cove Greasy Bean" data-line="0">🫘 Cades Cove Greasy Bean</h2>
The "Slick" Heirloom of the Great Smoky Mountains
Step into the mist-covered history of the Appalachians with the Cades Cove Greasy Bean. Named after the iconic and picturesque valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this bean is a legendary "connoisseur’s" heirloom. Prized for its slick, hairless pods that appear to have been polished with oil, the Cades Cove variety offers a rich, savory flavor and a "meaty" texture that has made it a centerpiece of mountain foodways for over a century.  Of all our greasies, these produces the most! 
<hr data-line="5">
<h3 id='📜 Historical Heritage: A "Lost" Community Treasure' data-line="7">📜 Historical Heritage: A "Lost" Community Treasure</h3>
The story of the Cades Cove Greasy Bean is a poignant piece of American history. Before it was a National Park, Cades Cove was a thriving, self-sufficient farming community in Tennessee. For generations, families like the Olivers, Shields, and Tiptons selected and saved seeds that could thrive in the valley's unique microclimate.
When the National Park was established in the 1930s and the residents were relocated, many took their most precious possessions with them: their seeds. This specific greasy bean was preserved by these families and eventually shared with heirloom collectors and the Seed Savers Exchange. To plant Cades Cove beans is to grow a living souvenir of a "lost" community and to honor the resilience of the Appalachian people who refused to let their heritage fade away.
<hr data-line="12">
<h3 id='✨ What Makes a "Greasy" Bean Different?' data-line="14">✨ What Makes a "Greasy" Bean Different?</h3>
<ul data-line="15">
<li data-line="15">
The "Grease" Shine: Most green beans have tiny, microscopic hairs (trichomes) that make them look matte or fuzzy. Greasy beans lack these hairs entirely. The smooth skin reflects light, making the pods look shiny or "greasy" even when they are still on the vine.</li>
<li data-line="16">
Tender at Maturity: While most beans become "woody" and tough as the seeds inside grow large, greasy beans stay tender. They are traditionally harvested when the pods are "full" and lumpy with plump seeds.</li>
<li data-line="17">
Rich, Silky Mouthfeel: When slow-simmered, the hairless skins take on a silky, buttery texture that provides a much richer culinary experience than standard "Blue Lake" types.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-line="19">
<h3 id="🛠️ Quick Growth Profile" data-line="21">🛠️ Quick Growth Profile</h3>
<table data-line="22">
<thead data-line="22">
<tr data-line="22">
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Specifications</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-line="24">
<tr data-line="24">
<td>Scientific Name</td>
<td>Phaseolus vulgaris</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="25">
<td>Origin</td>
<td>Cades Cove, TN (Great Smoky Mountains)</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="26">
<td>Plant Type</td>
<td>Heirloom Pole Bean</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="27">
<td>Height</td>
<td>7 to 9 feet (Requires Trellis)</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="28">
<td>Days to Maturity</td>
<td>75–85 Days</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="29">
<td>Seed Appearance</td>
<td>Typically white or off-white</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="30">
<td>Sun Requirement</td>
<td>Full Sun (8+ hours)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr data-line="32">
<h3 id="🌱 How to Grow Cades Cove Greasy Beans" data-line="34">🌱 How to Grow Cades Cove Greasy Beans</h3>
1. Sowing the Seeds: Like all mountain heirlooms, Cades Cove beans love warm soil and plenty of sun.
<ul data-line="38">
<li data-line="38">
When: Direct sow outdoors only after the soil is thoroughly warm (65°F+).</li>
<li data-line="39">
Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep.</li>
<li data-line="40">
Support: These are vigorous, high-climbing vines. Ensure your trellis, cattle panel, or "A-frame" is at least 7–8 feet tall and installed before planting.</li>
</ul>
2. Maintenance:
<ul data-line="43">
<li data-line="43">
Spacing: Space seeds 4–6 inches apart along your support.</li>
<li data-line="44">
Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and pod-setting stages. Avoid overhead watering to keep the slick pods clean.</li>
<li data-line="45">
Strings: Like most authentic Appalachian greasy beans, these have strings. Removing the strings is a traditional "front porch" activity that heralds a delicious meal.</li>
</ul>
3. Harvesting: For the best flavor, harvest when the pods are 4 to 5 inches long and the beans inside are plump. If you keep the vines picked, they will produce heavily until the first frost.
<hr data-line="50">
<h3 id='🥣 Culinary Inspiration: The "Leather Britches" Tradition' data-line="52">🥣 Culinary Inspiration: The "Leather Britches" Tradition</h3>
In the Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove beans were traditionally used to make "Leather Britches" (shuck beans). The pods were strung together with a needle and thread and hung to dry. During the winter, they were rehydrated and slow-simmered with a piece of smoked fatback or bacon. The result is a smoky, savory dish that tastes like the concentrated essence of summer.
<blockquote data-line="55">
Garden Tip: Cades Cove Greasy Beans are famous for their "beany" richness. When cooking fresh, simmer them "low and slow" with garlic and a ham hock for the most authentic Appalachian experience. 🫘🏔️✨
</blockquote>

Cade's Cove Greasy, (Pole) North Carolina Heirloom

Calypso Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Calypso') Also known as Orca or Yin-Yang beans, these heirloom bush beans are prized for their striking black-and-white speckled seeds that resemble playful dolphins or killer whales—perfect for captivating gardeners and chefs alike! A productive variety that's easy to grow and delicious to eat. Calypso Beans: Do They Keep Their Patterns When Cooked? Yes! Calypso beans are renowned for retaining their stunning black-and-white "orca" or "yin-yang" patternseven after soaking and cooking. Why It Matters No fading or bleeding: Unlike some pinto or cranberry beans, the bold markings stay vibrant—perfect for visually striking dishes. Cooking Tips: Soak dried beans overnight (8-12 hours) in water. Drain, then simmer 45-90 minutes until tender (no pre-soak salt). Result: Beautiful, intact patterns in soups, salads, or sides! "One of the best things about Calypsos—they look as good on the plate as in the packet!" — Customer review Key Features Plant Type: Compact bush (18-24 inches tall)—no trellis or staking needed. Maturity: 55-60 days from sowing to first harvest. Yield: High; expect 5-7 inch long, flat, stringless green pods filled with nutty, creamy-white seeds flecked with black. Seeds per Packet: [Customize based on your stock, e.g., 50+ seeds] USDA Zones: 3-10 (annual crop). Growing Instructions Sow Seeds: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil is 60°F+ (15°C). Plant 1 inch deep, 2-4 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart. Site: Full sun (6+ hours daily), fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend with compost for best results. Care: Water consistently (1 inch/week); mulch to retain moisture. Inoculate seeds with rhizobia for nitrogen fixation if soil is poor. Pests/Diseases: Resistant to many common bean issues; watch for aphids or rust—use row covers if needed. Succession Plant: Sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest through summer. Harvest & Storage Fresh Pods: Pick when pods are plump and seeds are visible but not bulging (for snap beans). Shelling/Dry Beans: Let pods yellow and dry on plant; shell and store in cool, dry place for up to a year. Pro Tip: One plant can yield 1/2 lb of dried beans! Culinary Uses Fresh/Shelled: Steam, sauté, or add to salads—mild, buttery flavor. Dried: Soak overnight and cook into hearty soups, stews, or bean salads. Holds shape well; pairs with Italian herbs, garlic, or Southwest spices. Customer Favorite: "Dolphin beans" in minestrone or rice bowls! Why Sell Calypso Beans? Unique appearance draws browsers to buyers—boosts impulse sales! Heirloom status appeals to organic gardeners seeking flavor and beauty. Non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds. Germination: 80-90% (70°F soil). Firefly Farm & Mercantile loves to source and grow heirloom beans for good eating. Questions? Ask us for recipes! 🌱🐬

Calypso Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Calypso')
Also known as Orca or Yin-Yang beans, these heirloom bush beans are prized for their striking black-and-white speckled seeds that resemble playful dolphins or killer whales—perfect for captivating gardeners and chefs alike! A productive variety that's easy to grow and delicious to eat.
Calypso Beans: Do They Keep Their Patterns When Cooked?
Yes! Calypso beans are renowned for retaining their stunning black-and-white "orca" or "yin-yang" patternseven after soaking and cooking.
<h3 data-line="7" id="Why It Matters">Why It Matters</h3>
<ul data-line="8">
<li data-line="8">
No fading or bleeding: Unlike some pinto or cranberry beans, the bold markings stay vibrant—perfect for visually striking dishes.</li>
<li data-line="9">
Cooking Tips:
<ol data-line="10">
<li data-line="10">Soak dried beans overnight (8-12 hours) in water.</li>
<li data-line="11">Drain, then simmer 45-90 minutes until tender (no pre-soak salt).</li>
<li data-line="12">
Result: Beautiful, intact patterns in soups, salads, or sides!</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote data-line="14">
"One of the best things about Calypsos—they look as good on the plate as in the packet!" — Customer review
</blockquote>
<h3 data-line="7" id="Key Features">Key Features</h3>
<ul data-line="8">
<li data-line="8">
Plant Type: Compact bush (18-24 inches tall)—no trellis or staking needed.</li>
<li data-line="9">
Maturity: 55-60 days from sowing to first harvest.</li>
<li data-line="10">
Yield: High; expect 5-7 inch long, flat, stringless green pods filled with nutty, creamy-white seeds flecked with black.</li>
<li data-line="11">
Seeds per Packet: [Customize based on your stock, e.g., 50+ seeds]</li>
<li data-line="12">
USDA Zones: 3-10 (annual crop).</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-line="14" id="Growing Instructions">Growing Instructions</h3>
<ol data-line="15">
<li data-line="15">
Sow Seeds: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil is 60°F+ (15°C). Plant 1 inch deep, 2-4 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.</li>
<li data-line="16">
Site: Full sun (6+ hours daily), fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend with compost for best results.</li>
<li data-line="17">
Care: Water consistently (1 inch/week); mulch to retain moisture. Inoculate seeds with rhizobia for nitrogen fixation if soil is poor.</li>
<li data-line="18">
Pests/Diseases: Resistant to many common bean issues; watch for aphids or rust—use row covers if needed.</li>
<li data-line="19">
Succession Plant: Sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest through summer.</li>
</ol>
<h3 data-line="21" id="Harvest &amp; Storage">Harvest &amp; Storage</h3>
<ul data-line="22">
<li data-line="22">
Fresh Pods: Pick when pods are plump and seeds are visible but not bulging (for snap beans).</li>
<li data-line="23">
Shelling/Dry Beans: Let pods yellow and dry on plant; shell and store in cool, dry place for up to a year.</li>
<li data-line="24">
Pro Tip: One plant can yield 1/2 lb of dried beans!</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-line="26" id="Culinary Uses">Culinary Uses</h3>
<ul data-line="27">
<li data-line="27">
Fresh/Shelled: Steam, sauté, or add to salads—mild, buttery flavor.</li>
<li data-line="28">
Dried: Soak overnight and cook into hearty soups, stews, or bean salads. Holds shape well; pairs with Italian herbs, garlic, or Southwest spices.</li>
<li data-line="29">
Customer Favorite: "Dolphin beans" in minestrone or rice bowls!</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-line="31" id="Why Sell Calypso Beans?">Why Sell Calypso Beans?</h3>
<blockquote data-line="32">
Unique appearance draws browsers to buyers—boosts impulse sales! Heirloom status appeals to organic gardeners seeking flavor and beauty.
</blockquote>
Non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds. Germination: 80-90% (70°F soil). Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile loves to source and grow heirloom beans for good eating.  Questions? Ask us for recipes! 🌱🐬

Calypso Bush Bean, Heirloom

Vibrant, dark to light purple wax beans with contrasting yellow interior. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Tasty and juicy beans with a strikingly bright, magenta color and wonderful tenderness. These are the first purple wax beans on the market. Plants are healthy producers of uniform beans on robust, bush habit plants. Incredible as a stand-alone bean variety or mixed with other colors for specialty appeal. Brighter and more of a brilliant purple than most other purple bean varieties and tender enough to be enjoyed raw. Developed by Dr. John Hart of EarthWorks Seeds. Light tan seeds. This variety is Plant Variety Protected Bush beans Magenta color 4.75-5.5" pods Open-Pollinated 100 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely mature and dry. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Plant Rows Apart 36"-48" Disease Resistance DetailsHigh Resistance: Bean Common Mosaic Necrosis Virus (US1) Firefly Farm may substitute seed vendors based on availablity.

Vibrant, dark to light purple wax beans with contrasting yellow interior. 
High Mowing Organic Seeds - Tasty and juicy beans with a strikingly bright, magenta color and wonderful tenderness. These are the first purple wax beans on the market. Plants are healthy producers of uniform beans on robust, bush habit plants. Incredible as a stand-alone bean variety or mixed with other colors for specialty appeal. Brighter and more of a brilliant purple than most other purple bean varieties and tender enough to be enjoyed raw. Developed by Dr. John Hart of EarthWorks Seeds. Light tan seeds. This variety is Plant Variety Protected 
<ul>
<li>Bush beans</li>
<li>Magenta color</li>
<li>4.75-5.5" pods</li>
<li>Open-Pollinated</li>
<li>100</li>
<li>seeds</li>
</ul>
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely mature and dry.
<ul>
<li>Direct Seed 2" apart</li>
<li>Planting Depth 1"</li>
<li>Plant Rows Apart 36"-48"</li>
</ul>
Disease Resistance Details High Resistance: Bean Common Mosaic Necrosis Virus (US1)
Firefly Farm may substitute seed vendors based on availablity.

Celine Bush Bean, Organic

Seed Exchange - Also known as Cherokee Black, the variety is good as both a snap and a dry bean; when mature, the greenish-purple 6” pods encase shiny jet-black seeds. This bean was shared with Seed Savers Exchange by the late Dr. John Wyche of Hugo, Oklahoma. His Cherokee ancestors carried this bean over the Trail of Tears, the infamous winter death march from the Smoky Mountains to Oklahoma (1838-39) that left a trail of 4,000 graves. Pole habit, snap or dry, 85 days. Pole bean Black seeds Green 6 inch pods with purple overlay Snap or dry bean 85 days 50 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently to increase yield. Pods can be left on the vine to mature and then harvested as dry beans. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Support with trellis, teepee, or fencing

Seed Exchange - Also known as Cherokee Black, the variety is good as both a snap and a dry bean; when mature, the greenish-purple 6” pods encase shiny jet-black seeds. This bean was shared with Seed Savers Exchange by the late Dr. John Wyche of Hugo, Oklahoma. His Cherokee ancestors carried this bean over the Trail of Tears, the infamous winter death march from the Smoky Mountains to Oklahoma (1838-39) that left a trail of 4,000 graves. Pole habit, snap or dry, 85 days.
<ul>
<li>Pole bean</li>
<li>Black seeds</li>
<li>Green 6 inch pods with purple overlay</li>
<li>Snap or dry bean</li>
<li>85 days</li>
<li>50 seeds</li>
</ul>
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently to increase yield. Pods can be left on the vine to mature and then harvested as dry beans.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Planting Depth 1"
Support with trellis, teepee, or fencing

Cherokee Trail of Tears Pole Bean pre-1800's Heirloom

Cherokee Trail of Tears Pole Bean pre-1800’s Heirloom

Seedsavers 50 Seeds

Firefly Farm Seeds 50 Seeds

Firefly Farm Seeds 250 Seeds

Christmas Lima - Also knowns as Large Speckled Calico, this variety was first cultivated in the United States around 1840 and produces beautiful, quarter-sized, fat white seeds with maroon spots and swirls. It has a rich flavor and can be used as shell lima bean or dry bean. Heavy yields, bears even during extreme heat. Pole habit, 75-100 dys. Pole bean Large Maroon and White Speckled Seeds Performs well in extreme heat Shelling and Dry bean 75-100 days Instructions : Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 36-48" Full Sun

Christmas Lima - Also knowns as Large Speckled Calico, this variety was first cultivated in the United States around 1840 and produces beautiful, quarter-sized, fat white seeds with maroon spots and swirls.  It has a rich flavor and can be used as shell lima bean or dry bean.  Heavy yields, bears even during extreme heat. Pole habit, 75-100 dys. 
<ul>
<li>Pole bean</li>
<li>Large Maroon and White Speckled Seeds</li>
<li>Performs well in extreme heat</li>
<li>Shelling and Dry bean</li>
<li>75-100 days </li>
</ul>
Instructions :
Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. 
<ul>
<li>Direct Seed 2" apart</li>
<li>Planting Depth 1"</li>
<li>Rows Apart: 36-48"</li>
<li>Full Sun</li>
</ul>

Christmas Pole Lima Bean, 1840 Heirloom

25 Seeds - Firefly Farm

Seedsavers Packet - 40 Seeds

250 Seeds (.51 lbs) - Firefly Farm

500 Seeds (1.05 lbs) - Firefly Farm

Clemson Red Lima Bean - This is probably the heaviest lima for yields per vine. It's dark red limas are delicious and can handle any weather thrown at it. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. The origin of the Clemson Red is rooted in Clemson University's agricultural program. This variety was released in the 1930's and gained popularity across the South. Clemson University has been integral in finding and developing crops for the deep south. Characteristics: Prized for its disease resistance Heavy Yields Prolific producer Pole Lima bean 75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25. Instructions: Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. Full Sun

Clemson Red Lima Bean - This is probably the heaviest lima for yields per vine. It's dark red limas are delicious and can handle any weather thrown at it. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. 
The origin of the Clemson Red is rooted in Clemson University's agricultural program. This variety was released in the 1930's and gained popularity across the South. Clemson University has been integral in finding and developing crops for the deep south.
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Prized for its disease resistance</li>
<li>Heavy Yields</li>
<li>Prolific producer</li>
<li>Pole Lima bean</li>
<li>75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried</li>
<li>We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25. </li>
</ul>
Instructions: 
Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun. 
Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps. 
Planting Depth 1"
Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line. 
Full Sun

Clemson Red Lima Bean, Pole Butterbean, 1930's Heirloom

Not available for 2025. May I suggest Cobra beans they are similar and also can be grown in cooler weather. Cobra Bean Link This is a great one for the cooler weather when it’s starting to warm but the soil is still cool. Seed Exchange - The beans of this historic variety are excellent for fresh eating—especially when picked young and tender—and its vines bear beautiful lilac flowers. Sweet and flavorful off the vine (kids love them!), the snappy, green 4-7" pods cradle shiny, dark-purple seeds when mature. Ever popular, it was once the most widely grown French climbing bean in England, according to The Beans of New York (1931). Pole habit, snap, 65-75 days Excellent for fresh eating Snap bean Lilac flowers Pole habit 65-75 days 50 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Trellis, Fence, or Tee-Pee Rows 36-48" apart

Not available for 2025. May I suggest Cobra beans  they are similar and also can be grown in cooler weather.  <a href="https://fireflyfarmandmercantile.com/products/corba-bean-1931-heirloom-pole" title="Cobra Beams ">Cobra Bean Link</a> 
This is a great one for the cooler weather when it’s starting to warm but the soil is still cool.  
Seed Exchange - The beans of this historic variety are excellent for fresh eating—especially when picked young and tender—and its vines bear beautiful lilac flowers. Sweet and flavorful off the vine (kids love them!), the snappy, green 4-7" pods cradle shiny, dark-purple seeds when mature. Ever popular, it was once the most widely grown French climbing bean in England, according to The Beans of New York (1931). Pole habit, snap, 65-75 days
<ul>
<li>Excellent for fresh eating</li>
<li>Snap bean</li>
<li>Lilac flowers</li>
<li>Pole habit</li>
<li>65-75 days</li>
<li>50 seeds</li>
</ul>
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Planting Depth 1"
Trellis, Fence, or Tee-Pee
Rows 36-48" apart

Climbing French Bean, 1931 Heirloom

Cobra Pole Bean - 1931 French Heirloom. Grows 6-7' in a season, has light purple flowers and we harvest beans between 6-8" long during the season. This is best as a snap bean so keep harvesting to prevent them from getting too big. It is similar to Seedsaver's Exchange Climbing French which we also grow every few years but is a bit more round vs a flatter bean. We love French style pole beans and Cobra does well for us. It took about 2-3 seasons for the beans to really adapt to our zone 4 climate. They are good for producing in the latter half of summer. Pick while thin and young as they do get a string as they mature and become a little tougher. But while thin, they are tender, crisp and juicy. Cobra can be found in European gardens. Excellent for fresh eating Snap bean Lilac flowers Pole habit 65-75 days Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Direct Seed 4" apart and thin to 8" Planting Depth 1" Trellis Rows 36-48" apart

Cobra Pole Bean - 1931 French Heirloom. Grows 6-7' in a season, has light purple flowers and we harvest beans between 6-8" long during the season. This is best as a snap bean so keep harvesting to prevent them from getting too big. It is similar to Seedsaver's Exchange Climbing French which we also grow every few years but is a bit more round vs a flatter bean. 
We love French style pole beans and Cobra does well for us. It took about 2-3 seasons for the beans to really adapt to our zone 4 climate. They are good for producing in the latter half of summer. Pick while thin and young as they do get a string as they mature and become a little tougher. But while thin, they are tender, crisp and juicy. Cobra can be found in European gardens.
<ul>
<li>Excellent for fresh eating</li>
<li>Snap bean</li>
<li>Lilac flowers</li>
<li>Pole habit</li>
<li>65-75 days</li>
</ul>
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields.
<ul>
<li>Direct Seed 4" apart and thin to 8"</li>
<li>Planting Depth 1"</li>
<li>Trellis</li>
<li>Rows 36-48" apart</li>
</ul>

Beans

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