Alabama Lady Pole Bean, Heirloom

The history of this bean is a classic example of how family heirlooms were shared across state lines in the American South.

• The "Lady" of the Name: In 1994, Mrs. C.C. Kiesling of Marianna, Arkansas, shared these seeds with Dr. James Wolfe (TN WO J). Mrs. Kiesling noted that the seeds originally came to her from "an old Alabama lady," a title that has stuck with the variety as its official name ever since.
• The Public Record: Dr. Wolfe formally introduced the variety to the Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) in the 1998 Yearbook.
• Archival Status: To ensure this Southern legacy is never lost, it is officially documented under SSE Accession # 104712.

The Alabama Lady is prized for its culinary flexibility. Whether you are eating "off the vine" or from the winter pantry, it delivers exceptional flavor.

• As a Snap Bean: When picked small, the pods are remarkably tender and sweet. They lack the tough, "woody" texture of many commercial varieties, making them perfect for fresh summer side dishes.
• As a Shelling/Dry Bean: If allowed to mature, the seeds become a beautiful, solid dark tan.
• In the Kitchen: As a dry bean, it is regarded as "excellent for soups." It cooks up with a rich, savory broth and a creamy interior, holding its own alongside smoked meats or garden vegetables.

This is a vigorous climbing variety that embodies the productivity of traditional Southern pole beans.

"The Alabama Lady is more than just a vegetable; it’s a connection to the anonymous 'garden ladies' who spent their lives selecting for the best flavor and the heartiest vines. It is a workhorse of the Southern garden, providing tender snaps in the heat of summer and protein-rich soup beans for the winter."

To get the most out of your Alabama Lady crop, harvest the lower pods early and often while they are still small and slender. This encourages the vine to continue producing new blossoms. Toward the end of the season, allow the remaining pods to swell and dry on the vine until the dark tan seeds are hard—these will be your prize for the winter soup pot!