The compact bush plants are very productive and yield reliably even in the north! Gorgeous dark purple-black bean with a rich flavor and meaty texture - widely grown throughout Latin America and known by numerous common names. Black Turtle is a classic soup bean, that can be stored well. This hardy bush type has excellent disease resistance and does well even in drought and heat. The beans can eaten green when young, but they are better as a dry shell bean. These seeds are jet black and will mature in about 90 days.
In colonial America, black beans were not appreciated because of their unappealing color. As a result, the Black Turtle bean was advertised as an affordable substitute for turtle in the making of turtle soup, a delicacy during that time in history. Black Turtle bean plant seeds originate in South America; some historians fix the date as far back as 8,000 BC to the Pre-Incan civilization in Peru. People from this time valued dry beans because of their long lasting freshness in storage. Black beans are a favorite in Latin American cooking for use in soups, sauces, and main dishes.
~ planting ~
***Soak seeds for a few hours or overnight before planting***
Direct sow the dry bean seeds for sale 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 dry bean seeds for sale rot easily in wet soil, so do not over water them. Germination should take place 7-14 days after planting.
Days to Germination: 7-14
Ideal Temperature: 70-80 Degrees F
Planting Depth: 1/2" to 1"
Spacing in Row: 6-8 inches
Spacing Between Rows: 24-36"
Height at Maturity: 20"
Sun Preference: Full Sun
Frost Hardy: No
Days to Maturity: ~90 days
Growing Tips: Bush habit requires no staking. Direct seed after last frost, soaking seeds overnight. Pick frequently to keep plants productive. Succession plant for prolonged harvest.
*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.
~ 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.
~ additional instructions ~
- all seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated, organic & non-gmo.
- detailed instructions are included with every seed package.
- inquire for discounts available on bulk quantities.
