Pole Beans

Black Coat Runner Bean Seeds, 1600's Heirloom

Black Coat Runner Bean, 1600's Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

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

Cherokee Trail of Tears Pole Bean 1800’s Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

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

Climbing French Bean, 1931 Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

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

Cobra Bean, 1931 French Heirloom (Pole) $3.75 $4.25

The Living Seed Company - Cobra beans are widely popular in England and across all of Europe. Their amazing purple flowers are replaced by 7" long beans. Pole habit, snap, 65-75 days. Excellent for fresh eating Snap bean Lilac flowers Pole habit 65-75 days 40 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

Connecticut Wonder Bean, 1919 Heirloom, Organic (2024 Only) $3.45 $3.95

Seed Exchange - Mother (Nature) knew best when it came to this family heirloom favorite: The original steward, Reverend Frank Abbott, told his granddaughter, Deborah, that the beans were a “gift from the bees” a result of cross-pollinated plants in his Bolton, Connecticut, garden, sometime prior to 1919. He named the new variety Connecticut Wonder and believed it was a cross between Kentucky Wax and Cranberry Pole beans. In the mid-1970s, Deborah gave the seeds to John Withee, who donated them to Seed Savers Exchange in 1981. The pods are sweet, juicy, and slightly stringy. The strong climber grows white flowers and green pods that mature to pale yellow and contain large, shiny, dark-brown, kidney-shaped seeds. Pole habit, snap. 60-70 days. Organic From the Collection Snap bean, Pole habit 60-70 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" Rows 36-48" apart

French Gold Filet Pole Bean, Heirloom from $3.50 $3.95

Renee's Garden - Golden-yellow long, slim juicy French filet pole beans with a fine sweet flavor. Sunny pods stand out from green vines for easy harvesting. Great garden performance and yield over a long season. A real treat that is great raw or cooked. This slimmer heirloom us very tender and sweet. They will be sure to be a big hit. Characteristics: Organic Heirloom selection Elegant round and slender pods Juicy texture and fine sweet flavor ~40 seeds, 20g Instructions - In late spring, plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Erect strong stakes, tripod poles, or trellis at planting time to support vines. Plant 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart along a trellis. Or grow around tripods or stakes, planting 4 to 6 seeds about 4 inches from each pole, then thinning seedlings to 3 best plants per pole. Beans are an easy and reliable crop, but don’t plant seeds too early; cold conditions prevent good germination. For the best yields, pick beans frequently, at least every 2 or 3 days. Filet beans are meant to be eaten when pods are slender, so harvest early, when still pencil-thin. Plant in: May-June for cold winters or March-June for mild winters Full sun Sow Seeds: 4" apart, 1" deep 7-10 days to germinate Days to Harvest: 60 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.

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Good Mother Stallard Bean Heirloom Open-Pollinated

Good Mother Stallard Pole Bean, 1930's Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

The Seed Exchange - One of the 1,186 beans given to SSE in 1981 by bean collector John Withee of Massachusetts. Named for Carrie Belle Stallard of Wise County, Virginia. This variety dates to at least the 1930s. Maroon beans splashed with white, 5-6 seeds per pod. Wonderful rich meaty flavor, great for soups. Very productive. Pole habit, dry, 85-95 days. ±680 seeds/lb. Pole bean Maroon and white beans Open Pollinated Meaty flavor Very productive Dry bean 85-95 days 50 Seeds per packet 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 Plant 1" deep Support: Trellis, tepee, or fencing Full sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varitities so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Hidatsa Shield Figure Bean Heirloom Open-Pollianted

Hidatsa Shield Figure Bean, 1917 Heirloom $3.75 $4.25

From the Hidatsa tribe who raised corn, squash, beans, and sunflowers in the Missouri River Valley of North Dakota. Shield Figure beans are described in Buffalo Bird Woman’s Garden (1917). This very productive variety was boarded onto Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste in 2005. Pole habit, dry, 90 days. ±600 seeds/lb. Pole bean White beans with tan and brown markings Open-Pollinated Very productive Dry bean 90 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 Plant 1" deep Support using Trellis, tepee, or fencing 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)

Ideal Market Bean Heirloom Open-Pollinated

Ideal Market Pole Snap Bean, 1914 Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

The Seed Savers Exchange - Flawless. An early-producing, stringless pole bean with vines that bear 5"-long snap beans all along its 6'-tall vines. This variety has a fine texture and excellent taste and is suitable for eating fresh or freezing. Introduced to the seed trade in 1914 as Black Creaseback by Van Antwerp’s Seed Store of Mobile, Alabama, it was reintroduced in 1924 by Chris Reuter Seed Company of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Reuter’s Ideal Market. Pole habit, snap, 65-70 days. ±1,900 seeds/lb. Pole bean Stringless pods Open-Pollinated Excellent quality Early and productive Snap bean 65-70 days 50 Seeds per pack 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 2" apart Plant 1" deep Support using Trellis, tepee, or fencing 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)

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Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean, 1864 Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

Seed Exchange - This historic variety, renowned for its tenderness and great flavor, was first marketed in 1864 as Texas Pole, then renamed and introduced in 1877 as Kentucky Wonder by James J. H. Gregory & Sons. Vigorous plants yield clusters of 7-10” pods that are stringless when young. Pole habit, snap, 58-64 days Pole bean Stringless pods Great flavor Vines grow 5-7 feet Snap bean 58-64 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" Rows Trellis, Support

Laughing Arlie Greasy, (Pole) Heirloom 1960's $3.45 $3.95

Will be availble December 2023. Pre-Order yours today! Seed Exchange - Pole bean, strongly climbing. Straight; constricted; uniformly bright green pods; smooth. Leaves dark green. Fully expanded pods measure 2.9-3.9 and 0.3-0.4 wide. White flowers. Mature pods contain 7 seeds. Small white cuboid shaped seed. Hard seeded. Late maturing snap beans. Moderately high productivity. Donated to SSE in 1981 by bean collector John Withee of Lynnfield, Massachusetts and the Wanigan Associates. John received this variety from Silas Gilliam of Virginia. Silas stated that he received this variety in the early 1960s from Arlie Hubbard of Virginia, who was known for laughing all the time. SSE Accession # 101499 John Withee, 1981 Excellent for fresh eating Snap bean White 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

Mayflower Bean $3.75

The Seed Exchange - (aka Amish Knuttle) Cut short-type bean packed with small square seeds that are white speckled with rose. Prized for delicious flavor despite strings. Also excellent as a dry bean. Pole habit, snap or dry, 100 days. It is said these beans came over with the Pilgrims but it’s more likely they were gifted by Native Americans. Pole bean Square white seeds speckled with rose Delicious flavor despite strings Excellent as a dry bean Snap or dry bean 100 days Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest snap beans frequently for increased yields. Leave some pods on the vine and harvest when completely mature for dry beans. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1" deep Support using Trellis, tepee, or fencing 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)

Northeaster Pole Bean, Early Riser, Romano Bean, Heirloom, Organic $3.50 $3.90

Northeaster Pole Bean - Romano bean with buttery flavor and hearty texture. Northeaster is consistently one of the earliest pole beans in our trials and is well-suited to short seasons. Flattened, pale green pods on tall, vigorous vines. Quick to harvest as beans are easy to distinguish from the foliage. Re-discovered by Rob Johnston of Johnny's Selected Seeds. White seeds. These beans tend to keep producing and are named for cold winds that blow off the Atlantic Ocean. They can handle cooler weather better than most beans but still do not like frost so plant after the potential for frost is gone. Very early 7-8" flattened pods Open-Pollinated 8-10’ vines Short season bean 1 oz of seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after 2-3 weeks of last frost as beans do like the ground to be warmer. Plan to support with trellis or stakes, even though it is a bush bean, the plant likes the extra support. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Plant 36-48" apart

Painted Lady Improved Runner Bean, 1827 Heirloom Seeds

Painted Lady Improved Runner Bean, 1827 Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

The Seed Savers Exchange - also knowns as Bicolor Runner, Painted Runner. Friar Antonio de Arrabida described this species in Flora of Rio de Janeiro in 1827. Incredibly beautiful bi-colored blossoms are very attractive to hummingbird moths. This strain is less affected by warmer temperatures than other runner beans and is a prolific bloomer. Esteemed as both an ornamental and edible climber. Pole habit, 68 days. ±450 seeds/lb. Characteristics: Bi-colored blossoms attract hummingbirds Beans are black and speckled with tan edges Esteemed as both an ornamental and edible climber Tolerates heat Pole bean 68 days ±450 seeds/lb 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

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Purple Podded Pole Bean Seeds, 1930’s Heirloom

Purple Podded Pole Bean, 1930’s Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

Seed Exchange - Plants of this historic variety climb vigorously to 6' to show off an abundance of reddish-purple pods that are high-quality, hearty, and stringless. The pods grow 5-7"-long and turn to light green when cooked. Henry Field discovered this variety in an Ozarks garden in the 1930s. Conventional Pole beans Snap bean Reddish Purple, stringless pods 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

Rattlesnake Pole Bean, Heirloom, Organic $3.45 $4.25

Exceptional heirloom flavor fresh, shelled, or dry! Also known as the Preacher Bean. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Picked fresh, beans are round and dark green with unusual purple streaks that fade when cooked. Shelled beans are beige, with rattlesnake streaks when fully dry. Signature addition for roadside stands and farmer's markets. Streaked seeds. Characteristics: Organic Pole bean 10' Vines Wax bean 65 days 1oz seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after 2-3 weeks of last frost as beans do like the ground to be warmer. Plan to support with trellis or stakes, even though it is a bush bean, the plant likes the extra support. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Plant 36-48" apart

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Scarlet Runner Bean, 1735 Heirloom $3.75 $3.95

The Seed Savers Exchange - One of the oldest runner beans in existence. Already well-known in 1735 according to The Gardener’s Dictionary by English botanist Philip Miller; listed in America as early as 1806 by McMahon. Used for ornamental purposes or as a vegetable: small snap pods or green shell beans. Can substitute for limas in cooler climates. Pole habit, 65 days. ±450 seeds/lb. 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 65 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

Scarlet Runner Bean, pre-1750 Heirloom $3.75 $4.00

The Living Seed Company- This heirloom variety dates back to as early as 1750 in the seed trade and much earlier as a Native crop. A versatile plant that offers use in every stage of its life. Traditionally cultivated for the rich tasting dry bean, this unique-looking variety is also enjoyed young as a snap bean or shelled. The seeds begin green, slowly turn bright pink, then specked dark red as they mature. The Scarlet Runner is also commonly grown for its beautiful brilliant red ornamental and edible flowers that bloom throughout the summer; a favorite among hummingbirds, butterflies, chefs, and gardeners alike. Picking the flowers for use promotes continual flowering. 65 days Characteristics: Pole bean Great flavor Vines grow 12 feet Snap bean when young 65 days 20 seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Or leave on for a dried bean or shell bean. Direct Seed 4"-8" apart Planting Depth 1-1.5" Rows Trellis, Support Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Spanish Musica Pole Beans, Conventional $3.45 $3.99

Renee's Garden - Juicy-sweet and meaty with a wonderful crunchy texture, Musica is the earliest, most productive pole bean we’ve ever grown. Best of all, these broad, flat, 7 to 9-inch long pods have an unsurpassed rich flavor. Bred originally for European home gardeners, Musica’s vigorous, robust vines climb quickly and effortlessly and produce heavily. Keep these plump, great-tasting pods picked and plants will pump out more beans than you thought possible. Characteristics: Juicy-sweet, long flat beans Rich flavor and crunchy texture Instructions - In spring once the weather is warm and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Erect strong stakes, tripod poles, or trellis at planting time to support vines. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart along a trellis, or if planting around tripods or stakes, plant 4 to 6 seeds 4 inches from each pole, thinning seedlings to 3 best plants. Tender, crispy beans are an easy, reliable crop to grow, but don’t plant too early because it will prevent good germination. Musica vines are heavy bearing, so harvest often: the more you pick, the more beans plants will produce. Harvest when beans are 7-9 inches long, but before seeds are swelled in pods. Plant in: May-June for cold winters or April-July for mild winters Full sun Sow Seeds: 4" apart, 1" deep 5-10 days to germinate Days to Harvest: 62 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.

Spanish Musica Pole Beans, Organic $3.75 $4.39

Renee's Garden - Juicy-sweet and meaty with a wonderful crunchy texture, Musica is the earliest, most productive pole bean we’ve ever grown. Best of all, these broad, flat, 7 to 9-inch long pods have an unsurpassed rich flavor. Bred originally for European home gardeners, Musica’s vigorous, robust vines climb quickly and effortlessly and produce heavily. Keep these plump, great-tasting pods picked and plants will pump out more beans than you thought possible. Characteristics: Organic Juicy-sweet, long flat beans Rich flavor and crunchy texture Instructions - In spring once the weather is warm and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Erect strong stakes, tripod poles, or trellis at planting time to support vines. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart along a trellis, or if planting around tripods or stakes, plant 4 to 6 seeds 4 inches from each pole, thinning seedlings to 3 best plants. Tender, crispy beans are an easy, reliable crop to grow, but don’t plant too early because it will prevent good germination. Musica vines are heavy bearing, so harvest often: the more you pick, the more beans plants will produce. Harvest when beans are 7-9 inches long, but before seeds are swelled in pods. Plant in: May-June for cold winters or April-July for mild winters Full sun Sow Seeds: 4" apart, 1" deep 5-10 days to germinate Days to Harvest: 62 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.

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