Trio of Purple Dove Bush Beans in a row on a white background.
Whole and cut Purple Dove Bush Beans arranged on white background.
Cut and whole Purple Dove Bush Beans arranged on a white background.
Four Purple Dove Bush Beans in a row on a white background.
Cut Purple Dove Bush Beans in white dish surrounded by whole and cut beans.
An extreme macro close-up of Purple Dove Bush Beans.
Trio of Purple Dove Bush Beans in a row on a white background.
Whole and cut Purple Dove Bush Beans arranged on white background.
Cut and whole Purple Dove Bush Beans arranged on a white background.
Four Purple Dove Bush Beans in a row on a white background.
Cut Purple Dove Bush Beans in white dish surrounded by whole and cut beans.
An extreme macro close-up of Purple Dove Bush Beans.

Bean Seeds,
Purple Dove Bush

413 Reviews#BN150 · 40 seeds
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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris). Bush Bean. Deep purple-violet pods on relaxed bush plants make Purple Dove a most memorable bean. Developed by the late Robert Lobitz, whose eye for color, flavor, and uniqueness made him a giant among bean breeders, even the seeds of this variety carry the beautiful violet hue. The flattish pods are tender whether picked young or allowed to grow a bit, and the beans are loaded with rich, full-bodied flavor.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
6–10
Days to Maturity
55–60
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
3–5 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sow Purple Dove seeds outdoors after your last spring frost, once soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. This fast-growing variety can be succession planted every 2–3 weeks through mid-summer. 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

Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep and 3 to 5 inches apart in rows spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Water gently after planting and maintain consistent moisture until seedlings emerge.

How to Grow

Maintain even moisture throughout the growing season, especially during flowering and pod development. Weed regularly and apply mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent weed competition. No trellising is needed for this bush variety.

How to Save Seeds

  • Let pods mature and dry completely on the plant
  • Harvest when pods turn tan and brittle
  • Shell and remove the dried beans
  • Store seeds in airtight containers, labeled with variety and year
  • Keep in a cool, dark, and dry location

FAQ

Are Purple Dove beans only ornamental, or can they be eaten?

Though strikingly beautiful, Purple Dove beans are completely edible. They offer excellent flavor and tenderness when harvested young and turn green when cooked.

Can Purple Dove beans handle dry or poor soil conditions?

They tolerate average soil, but this is not a drought-resistant bean. Steady, even moisture through flowering and pod fill is what makes the crop, so water through dry spells and mulch to hold moisture in. Yields are best in well-draining, fertile soil.

Do Purple Dove beans need support or staking?

No. As a true bush variety, Purple Dove beans grow upright and compact, eliminating the need for any trellises or external support structures.

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Customer reviews

4 / 5 13 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heavy producer: Prolific bush plants loaded with long purple pods.

  • Buttery and tender: Buttery and tender picked young; pods toughen if left.

  • Striking color: Gorgeous purple pods on a plant that is pretty in the garden.

  • Heads up: Some report low germination and beetle damage; sow a few extra.

More to grow!

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