Soldier Dry Bean Seeds
Phaseolus vulgaris
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow seeds in rich, well drained soil in full sun at least a week after the last expected frost, since beans are quite sensitive to cold. If you have never planted beans in your garden before, treat the seeds with a powder inoculant to allow the process of nitrogen fixation to begin. Plant them 1" deep and 3-6" apart, in rows about 2' apart; press down the earth above them for good soil contact. These seeds rot easily in wet soil, so do not over water them. Germination should take place 7-10 days after planting. For companion planting benefits, plant beans near carrots or beets; avoid planting them near onions.
Growing: After germination, maintain soil moisture; beans have shallow roots, and need water at least once a week if the weather is dry. Mulching the plants helps conserve moisture and discourages weeds. Soldier beans do tolerate some dryness, and usually do well in cool weather.
Harvesting: If frost or inclement weather threatens before your beans are fully dry, pull them and allow them to continue drying under shelter. A good method for drying is to hang them upside down from their roots until the seeds rattle in the pods and are very hard. They should be completely dry 10-15 days later. Remove the seeds from the pods by hand, or thresh them by putting them in a bag and applying a heavy weight.
Seed Saving: Thresh the beans by removing them from their pods. Store them in a dry, cool place; for best germination, use them in the next growing season.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Seeds per Ounce: 80
Planting Method: Direct Sow
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 18 Inches
Color: White, Red
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow seeds in rich, well drained soil in full sun at least a week after the last expected frost, since beans are quite sensitive to cold. If you have never planted beans in your garden before, treat the seeds with a powder inoculant to allow the process of nitrogen fixation to begin. Plant them 1" deep and 3-6" apart, in rows about 2' apart; press down the earth above them for good soil contact. These seeds rot easily in wet soil, so do not over water them. Germination should take place 7-10 days after planting. For companion planting benefits, plant beans near carrots or beets; avoid planting them near onions.
Growing: After germination, maintain soil moisture; beans have shallow roots, and need water at least once a week if the weather is dry. Mulching the plants helps conserve moisture and discourages weeds. Soldier beans do tolerate some dryness, and usually do well in cool weather.
Harvesting: If frost or inclement weather threatens before your beans are fully dry, pull them and allow them to continue drying under shelter. A good method for drying is to hang them upside down from their roots until the seeds rattle in the pods and are very hard. They should be completely dry 10-15 days later. Remove the seeds from the pods by hand, or thresh them by putting them in a bag and applying a heavy weight.
Seed Saving: Thresh the beans by removing them from their pods. Store them in a dry, cool place; for best germination, use them in the next growing season.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Seeds per Ounce: 80
Planting Method: Direct Sow
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 18 Inches
Color: White, Red