Connecticut Wonder Bean, 1919 Heirloom, Organic options available

The story of the Connecticut Wonder began in Bolton, Connecticut, sometime prior to 1919. The original steward, Reverend Frank Abbott, noticed a unique bean growing in his garden that was unlike any other. He told his granddaughter, Deborah, that the plants were a result of cross-pollination by the local bees.

Believing it to be a natural cross between Kentucky Wax and Cranberry Pole beans, the Reverend named the variety Connecticut Wonder. The family carefully preserved these seeds for over half a century. In the mid-1970s, Deborah passed the family treasure to legendary bean collector John Withee, who officially donated them to the Seed Savers Exchange in 1981. Today, it stands as a testament to the Abbott family’s stewardship and the unintentional brilliance of a Bolton bee. 

• Unique Maturation: The vines produce beautiful white flowers followed by succulent green pods that mature to a striking pale yellow.
• Classic Heirloom Flavor: The pods are famously sweet and juicy, with the slight stringiness that is the hallmark of traditional, full-flavored snap beans.
• Stunning Seeds: Inside the mature pods are large, shiny, dark-brown, kidney-shaped seeds that are as beautiful as they are productive.
• Vigorous Pole Habit: A strong, athletic climber that quickly covers a trellis, providing a heavy harvest over a long season.
• Resilient & Proven: A New England survivor that has been consistently productive for over 100 years.

1. Sowing the Seeds:
As a variety born in the Northeast, this bean is well-adapted to temperate climates but loves the summer sun.

• When: Direct sow outdoors once the soil is warm (65°F+) and all danger of frost has passed.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
• Support: These are strong, heavy climbers. Ensure your trellis, cattle panel, or poles are in place at the time of planting.

2. Maintenance:

• Spacing: Space seeds 4–6 inches apart along your support.
• Watering: Provide consistent moisture, particularly when the white flowers begin to bloom and pods start to set.
• Sun: Needs a location with Full Sun to develop the high sugar content that makes the pods so "sweet and juicy."

3. The Harvest:

• Snap Stage: For the best culinary experience, harvest the green pods when they are plump but before they transition to pale yellow.
• Seed Saving: To carry on the Reverend's legacy, allow some pods to stay on the vine until they turn pale yellow and then brittle brown. The dark-brown, shiny seeds inside will be ready to save for next year's garden.

The Connecticut Wonder is best enjoyed simply. Because the pods are so naturally juicy, they are excellent when steamed lightly and tossed with butter and a pinch of salt. The slight stringiness adds a traditional "bite" and texture that is highly prized by those who prefer the robust character of authentic heirloom beans over modern, "mass-market" varieties.

Garden Tip: Plant these in a spot where you can observe the bees! It’s a wonderful reminder of the history of this bean to see the descendants of the pollinators that first "created" this variety over a century ago. 🫘🐝✨