Bean Seeds - Bush - Dark Red Kidney
90-100 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. Dark Red Kidney Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, high-yielding, bush, shelling bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. These classic beans are characterized by their shape, color, and flavor. This is THE classic red bean used in Mexican cooking. They are prized for their hearty texture and their ability to absorb flavors, making them a staple in many dishes and cultures. Once dried, they store well for long periods, making them a great pantry staple. ~60 seeds/oz.
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Growing Dark Red Kidney Beans in the Vegetable Garden
When planting Dark Red Organic Kidney Beans, it's best to sow the seeds directly into the garden soil after the last frost date. These beans thrive in warm soil with temperatures between 70 and 80 F. The seeds should be sown about 1-1.5 inches deep. Make sure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter to give the seeds a good start.
Space the seeds 4-6 inches apart within the rows to ensure each plant has enough room to grow and access nutrients. Rows should be spaced 18-24 inches apart to allow adequate air circulation and ease maintenance and harvesting. This spacing helps prevent disease and promotes healthy growth.
Kidney beans are legumes, so they can fix their own nitrogen from the air with the help of rhizobia bacteria. However, they still benefit from a balanced organic fertilizer. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients. During the growing season, side-dress with compost or an organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, if the plants appear to need a nutrient boost, especially during flowering and pod development.
Beans need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation. Water the plants deeply but infrequently. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Keep the area around the beans free from weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water. Mulching with organic materials such as straw or grass clippings helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Kidney beans grow well alongside companion plants like corn, cucumbers, and radishes. Avoid planting them near onions and garlic, as these crops can inhibit their growth. Companion plants can help deter pests, improve soil health, and enhance growth.
Use organic pest control methods such as handpicking pests, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, that prey on common bean pests.
Harvesting Dark Red Kidney Beans
Dark Red Kidney Beans are typically ready to harvest about 90-100 days after planting. You’ll know they’re ready when the pods are fully mature and firm, and may start to turn yellowish. The beans inside should be hard and have their characteristic dark red color.
To harvest, pull the entire plant from the ground and hang it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Allow the pods to dry completely before shelling. Once the pods are dry and brittle, shell the beans by hand or by threshing.
About Dark Red Kidney Bean Garden Seeds
Kidney beans have a long history and are believed to have originated in Peru. They were spread globally through trade routes.
They possess a mild, slightly nutty flavor with a firm texture, making them ideal for absorbing flavors in cooked dishes.
Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases. Avoid planting beans in the same spot more than once every three years. Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing and, if necessary, pruning.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"High in protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, Kidney Beans are a fantastic addition to any diet. They are a staple in our home!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Dark Red Kidney Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately, 4800 Seeds
- 25 lb - Wholesale - Approximately, 24,000 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Bean Sub-Type: | N/A |
| Dark Red Kidney Bean Color: | Red |
| Dark Red Kidney Bean Flavor: | They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor with a firm texture. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 90-100 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
| Start Indoors: | Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
| Bean Pollination: | Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by increasing the likelihood of pollination events. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Shell - Shell beans have a non-edible woody or fibrous husk that contains the edible beans within. For example, edamame has the beans inside, but you wouldn't want to eat the husk. Shell beans are also sometimes called shelling beans. |
| Pole or Bush Bean: | Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Late - Ready for harvest around 86 days or more. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases. Good air circulation and watering the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Bean Use: | Dark Red Kidney Beans are commonly used in chili, soups, stews, and salads. They are also popular in Creole cuisine and are a staple in dishes like red beans and rice. |
| Climate Tolerance: |