The Ultimate Guide to Heirloom Pole Bean Varieties

ByWayne Brown
The Ultimate Guide to Heirloom Pole Bean Varieties

Are you looking to add some variety to your vegetable garden this year? Heirloom pole beans are a great option to consider. Not only are they delicious, but they also come in a wide range of varieties that can add color and excitement to your garden. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 10 great heirloom pole bean varieties that you can grow in your garden this season.

Why Choose Heirloom Pole Beans?

Heirloom beans are a popular choice among gardeners for a variety of reasons. Not only do they offer unique flavors and textures, but they also have a rich history that can add an element of nostalgia to your garden. Additionally, heirloom pole beans are typically “open-pollinated” varieties, which means that you can save seeds from the pods and plant them again next year with confidence that they will produce plants identical to the parent plant.

How to Grow Heirloom Pole Beans

Before we dive into our list of great heirloom pole bean varieties, let’s cover some basic tips on how to grow these plants successfully.

  • Most pole beans require 65–75 days to mature, so make sure you have enough time in your growing season.
  • Start seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost if you want to harvest your beans earlier.
  • Plant seeds outdoors once the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Water beans lightly until seedlings appear, then maintain moist soil until plants start to flower.
  • Provide a nutrient boost by adding compost to the soil.

Now that you have some basic growing tips in mind, let’s explore our list of 10 great heirloom pole bean varieties that you can add to your garden this year.

1. Lazy Housewife Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Lazy Housewife’)

  • Native Area: United States
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The Lazy Housewife Bean is an old heirloom variety known for being the first stringless green bean. It can be eaten as a snap bean or allowed to ripen for dried bean harvesting. This prolific variety matures in 80–90 days, making it a great addition to any garden.

2. Asian Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)

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The Asian Winged Bean is a unique-looking pole bean that produces long pods with four “winged” edges. This bean is not only beautiful but also highly nutritious, with edible roots and leaves. It thrives in regions with high heat and humidity, making it a great choice for your garden.

3. Kentucky Wonder, Old Homestead (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Kentucky Wonder’)

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Originally named Texas Pole, the Kentucky Wonder bean is a popular heirloom variety known for its stringless, flavorful pods. Ready to harvest in 68–72 days, this bean is a classic choice for home gardens and has been a favorite for many years.

4. Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)

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The Scarlet Runner Bean is not only prized for its brilliant red flowers but also for its ornamental value in the garden. This bean prefers cooler temperatures and can be harvested as snap beans when young or allowed to mature for dried beans. With a growing period of 60–75 days, this bean is a versatile and vibrant addition to any garden.

5. Blue Lake Stringless Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Blue Lake Stringless’)

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The Blue Lake Stringless Bean is a heritage pole bean that has been around since the late 19th century. Known for its crisp, flavorful pods, this bean is a reliable performer that produces copious amounts of beans from top to bottom. Ready for harvest in 62 days, the Blue Lake Stringless Bean is a classic choice for any garden.

6. Rattlesnake Pole Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Rattlesnake Pole’)

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The Rattlesnake Pole Bean is not only fun to grow but also a high-performing and drought-resistant variety. With attractive green pods featuring purple stripes, this bean is ready for harvest in 65 days. Ideal for areas with sandy soil, the Rattlesnake Pole Bean is a unique and flavorful addition to your garden.

7. Climbing French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Climbing French’)

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A historic favorite in England, the Climbing French Bean produces delicious stringless pods that are perfect for fresh eating. With purple flowers and a growing period of 65–75 days, this heirloom pole bean is a colorful and tasty addition to any garden.

8. Oriental Yard-Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis)

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The Oriental Yard-Long Bean is a unique and versatile pole bean with pods that can reach an astonishing length of 14–30 inches. Known by many names, including Chinese long beans and snake beans, this bean is a favorite in Asian cuisine for its less astringent taste. Whether you call them yard-long beans or snake beans, this variety is sure to impress in your garden.

9. Purple Podded Pole (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Purple Podded Pole’)

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The Purple Podded Pole Bean is a high-yielding and ornamental variety that produces deep purple pods. This bean, discovered in the Ozarks in the 1930s, is not only beautiful but also tender and stringless. Perfect for fresh eating or canning, this bean matures in about 68 days and is a colorful addition to any garden.

10. Romano Bean, Italian Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Romano’)

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The Romano Bean, also known as the Italian Bean, is a gourmet variety known for its flat, stringless pods and resistance to mosaic virus. With flattened green pods that are perfect for fresh eating, this bean is a versatile choice for any garden. Whether harvested as snap beans or left to mature for dried beans, the Romano Bean is a flavorful and reliable addition to your garden.

Conclusion

Heirloom pole beans are not only delicious but also a colorful and vibrant addition to any garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these 10 great heirloom pole bean varieties are sure to add excitement and variety to your vegetable garden this season. So why not give them a try and enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful beans all season long!

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