A sliced and whole Purple Podded Pole Beans on a white background.
Cut and whole Purple Podded Pole Beans on a white background.
A pair of Purple Podded Pole Beans on a white background.
Purple Podded Pole Beans arranged with foliage on blue background.
A gardener holding a handful of freshly picked Purple Podded Pole Beans with foliage as a backdrop.
A sliced and whole Purple Podded Pole Beans on a white background.
Cut and whole Purple Podded Pole Beans on a white background.
A pair of Purple Podded Pole Beans on a white background.
Purple Podded Pole Beans arranged with foliage on blue background.
A gardener holding a handful of freshly picked Purple Podded Pole Beans with foliage as a backdrop.

Bean Seeds,
Purple Podded Pole

4.4104 Reviews#BN114 · 40 seeds
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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris) Pole bean. This classic Ozark heirloom was introduced by Henry Fields back in the 1930s and is still fondly remembered by old-timers who know a good bean when they see one. Climbing vines reach about 6 feet, setting heavy yields of bright purple pods that stand out boldly against the green foliage like neon in the summer sun. The pods are smooth, tender, and stringless, delivering that fresh-picked snap and flavor that never goes out of style.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
70
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6–10 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Purple Podded pole beans in late spring to early summer, after the danger of frost has passed. The optimal growing season is when night temperatures are consistently above 50 F. The ideal temperature is 70-80 F. Purple podded beans grow to maturity in about 70 days. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Soak seeds overnight and direct seed. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep in rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Sprouts typically appear in 5 to 8 days. Space the plants 6 to 10 inches apart. Provide a trellis or support as these are climbing beans. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

How to Grow

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Mulch to retain soil moisture and control weeds. Beans can benefit from side-dressing with compost during the growing season. Regularly harvest beans to encourage continued production.

How to Save Seeds

  • Common beans do not easily cross pollinate and can be grown close to one another, making them the ideal seed-saving project for beginners.
  • Save seeds from the best-looking, best-tasting, and most vigorous beans.
  • Leave pods on the plant to dry. Pull the plants and shake them vigorously into a bag to release the beans from the pods (same as you would for using them as dried beans).
  • Store in a cool, dry place for the winter (a glass jar in the refrigerator works well!).

FAQ

When do Purple Podded pole beans mature?

Purple Podded Pole beans typically take about 70 days from sowing to harvest.

Can I grow Purple Podded pole beans in containers?

Yes, but ensure the container is deep enough to support the root system and provides adequate support for climbing.

Are Purple Podded Pole beans frost-hardy?

No, they are not frost-hardy and should be planted after the last frost date in your area.

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Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 104 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heavy producer: Vines keep cranking out pods for weeks; pick daily to keep up.

  • Easy to spot: Purple pods stand out against the foliage for quick picking.

  • Tall, vigorous vines: Vines run 7 to 10 feet or more; give them a tall, sturdy trellis.

  • Turns green when cooked: Purple fades in the pot; the beans also dry well for soups.

  • Heads up: Pick young; pods string up past 6 inches, and some find them bland.

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