Franny’s Italian Black Pole Bean, Jewish-Italian Heirloom, pre WWII

This variety originated in Trento, Italy, with Francesca “Franny” Mariscesco (1927-2019). In 1943, Franny and her family were taken from their home and imprisoned in concentration camps in Eastern Europe. Franny became the sole survivor of her family, and it was her deep knowledge of gardening that played a pivotal role in her survival—she maintained a vegetable garden for Nazi officers while imprisoned at Auschwitz.

When Franny immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1946, she brought the only thing she had left of her family: these bean seeds, sewn carefully into the folds of her clothing. After settling on Chicago’s South Side and running a successful business for decades, her legacy was preserved when Peggy Morgan and Alison Vincent donated this variety to the Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) in 2020.

Previously held within the SSE Seed Preservation Vault, this variety was evaluated at Heritage Farm in 2025 and we also grew it at Firefly Farm & Mercantile. 

Farm Report: Our team at Firefly Farm & Mercantile was deeply intrigued by Franny's story and included this variety in our Heirloom Test Gardens. We are thrilled to report that it performed amazingly well, showing vigorous growth, excellent climbing habits, and a stunning harvest of deep black beans. We will be expanding production in 2026 for wider availability. 

• Vigorous Climber: These vines are energetic and will quickly cover a trellis or cattle panel with lush green foliage.
• Versatile Culinary Use: While classified as a snap-pole bean, the beautiful black seeds make an exceptional dry soup bean with a rich, earthy flavor.
• Resilient Genetics: Proven to thrive even in challenging conditions, reflecting the strength of the woman who saved them.
• Rare Heirloom: A true "vault" variety now available to home gardeners who wish to participate in active seed conservation.

1. Vertical Space: Ensure you provide a sturdy structure for these beans to climb. They are prolific growers!
2. Planting: Sow seeds 1 inch deep once the soil has warmed and all danger of frost is gone.
3. Dual Harvest: Pick the young pods early for a tender Italian-style snap bean, or allow the pods to dry completely on the vine to harvest the jet-black seeds for winter stews.

By planting these seeds, you are growing more than a crop; you are honoring Franny’s survival and ensuring that a variety nearly lost to history continues to feed and inspire.

Add Franny’s Italian Black Pole Bean to your garden and keep this incredible story growing. 🕊️🖤