Phaseolus vulgaris
DESCRIPTION
This productive and drought-tolerant Ukrainian variety of pole bean produces prolifically in Wisconsin. Dry beans are magenta with pink accents. Pods contain 6-8 seeds each.
PROVENANCE
This is Oshkosh-grown seed from Jason Mills, who is currently the local Seed Steward. He acquired the seed from a USDA seed bank via Experimental Seed Network.
GROWING RECOMMENDATIONS
Plant 1/2 to 1 inch deep directly in garden soil in early-to-mid June. This pole bean will need trellising.
SEED SAVING
To avoid crossing with another variety of common bean, plants need to be at least 20 feet away from another variety of the same species. For more on legume species, see our guide. It couldn’t be easier! Just let the beans dry in the pods. Seed will be viable for several years if kept dry and cool/room temperature, but seed can also be frozen for longer-term storage.
CILINARY USE
This variety can be eaten as shelling beans (seeds are full sized but still tender) or can be eaten as dry bean.
PRESERVING THE HARVEST
Dry beans are shelf stable. If, at the time of first frost, there are green pods with immature seeds left on the vines, harvest and shell those as “shellies.” They can be frozen after blanching or fully cooking them.