Bean Seeds - Bush - Red Swan
55-60 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. Red Swan Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, bush, snap, specialty bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Red Swan Bush Bean is a delicious, purple, stringless snap bean. The purple color leans heavily toward red and pink, and is preceded by lovely pink flowers. The pods retain their unique color even when cooked. A well-known Minnesotan seed breeder, Robert Lobitz, created this variety by crossing a purple snap bean with a pinto-type variety, giving it its signature color and texture. It germinates quickly, matures quickly, and is perfect for gardens with short growing seasons or similar limitations. ~90 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Red Swan Beans in the Vegetable Garden
Red Swan bush beans are best direct-sown into the garden, as beans don’t transplant well due to their fragile root systems. The ideal sowing depth is 1 inch deep in the soil. Wait until the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60 F, as these beans won’t germinate in cooler soils. Planting in early spring after the danger of frost has passed is recommended for most climates, and you can succession sow every couple of weeks to extend your harvest.
When sowing, space the seeds 4-6 inches apart within the row, as this allows enough room for bushy growth but still keeps the plants close enough to support each other. Rows should be spaced about 18-24 inches apart to provide proper airflow, which helps reduce the risk of diseases. The plants themselves will typically grow to a height of about 16-20 inches and spread about 10-12 inches.
Water them as needed for your climate and weather. Consistent moisture is particularly important when the plants are flowering and developing pods. Applying a balanced fertilizer before planting can promote early growth. If your soil is particularly poor or sandy, adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting will give your plants a nutrient boost.
Since Red Swan beans are shallow-rooted, regular but gentle weeding is necessary. Hand-pulling weeds or using a hoe carefully around the plants will help keep competition for nutrients low and prevent weeds from shading the beans.
Harvesting Red Swan Beans
Red Swan beans are snap beans, meaning they are harvested while the pods are still tender, and the seeds inside are immature. You’ll know the beans are ready to harvest when the pods reach about 4-6 inches long and are firm but tender. The pods will be a rosy-pink to red color at this stage. If left on the plant too long, the pods will toughen, and the seeds inside will start to mature. To harvest, simply pinch or snip the pods off the plant using scissors or your fingers.
About Red Swan Bean Garden Seeds
Red Swan bush bean was developed by seed breeder Robert Lobitz. It is the result of a cross between a purple snap bean and a pinto bean, giving it its distinctive red color. While it’s not a traditional heirloom, it is open-pollinated.
The pods retain some of their color even after cooking, making them a striking addition to any dish.
Their mild flavor pairs well with various ingredients, making them a versatile kitchen staple. They can also be pickled or frozen for later use.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"Most non-green snap beans turn green when cooked. However, Red Swan is different! It proudly wears its purply-red color even after cooking."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Red Swan Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 30 g - Wholesale - Approximately 95 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 360 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,440 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 7,200 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 360,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Red Swan Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Specialty - There are many subcategories of beans, and in the interest of simplifying what would be an overwhelming number of bean varieties, we group them as 'specialty'. These include but are not limited to yardlong beans, winged beans, hyacinth beans, sword beans, asparagus beans, adzuki, mung, garbanzo, and others. |
| Red Swan Bean Color: | Purple |
| Red Swan Bean Flavor: | Mild, tender, slightly nutty, and crisp |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 55-60 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 16-20 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 ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Snap - Snap beans have a fleshy edible pod. Snap beans are also commonly referred to as string beans or green beans (though not all snap beans are green). They are called snap beans because they make a snapping sound when you break them in half. |
| 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: | 10-12 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Early - Ready for harvest around 45-65 days. |
| 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 from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Bean Use: | Fresh in salads, steamed, sautéed, or added to stir-fries. |