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

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