Still looking for non-flat stringless heirloom pole beans

KimWilson

This year my entire crop of pole beans was useless. The pods were flat, stringy, and tough. Please help me with pole bean seed suggestions that will not turn out this way.

Ferg

Some places to try:

SouthernExposure heirloom exchange -- https://www.southernexposure.com/

Seed Savers Exchange -- https://www.seedsavers.org/

Amish Seed Producers:

https://www.amishlandseeds.com/store/Beans-c27347198

FOr southern beans...

https://www.appalachianheirloomplantfarm.com/beans.html

https://www.piedmontfarmandgarden.com/category-s/433.htm

KimWilson

Thanks for suggestions of suppliers, but what I really need is suggestions of varieties of beans that have good non-flat pods

Michelle D

I am not an expert on pole beans by any means, but I did have the same problem with one of the varieties I planted last year. I was curious having planted 2 different varieties and one did great while the other was horrible. I did some research and messaged with a gardener from our extension office. I learned that the specific variety that I was having trouble with should have been harvested sooner than I harvested it and would have done much better in a difference climate. I'm sorry that I can't suggest a specific seed but I can suggest contacting your local extension office. They are typically very helpful with area specific things. I hope that helps.

VermontCathy

Try some French filet pole beans, such as Fortex or Emerite. I grew Fortex this year and was very happy with them. I'm trying Emerite next year.

Maxibel also did very well for me, and were more tender than some varieties I've grown before, but these are bush rather than pole beans.

blevinandwomba

When you say flat, do you mean flat as in an Italian flat-podded type, or as in they never filled out properly?

I've grown a few flat podded beans like Romano pole that had a lovely taste and texture with nice meaty beans in them. They would get stringy if you waited long enough, but they had to be pretty far along.

I guess I'm asking, are you looking for a particular shape, or just a good tasting, good textured bean?

Angel

This year, I planted Kentucky Wonder pole beans, and they were tasty and prolific, and not stringy if picked early enough. I probably bought them from Baker Creek Seeds, or perhaps St. Clare.

We've enjoyed Sultan's Golden Crescent beans from Seed Savers Exchange. They are delicious, with just a bit of string that comes off when you snap the ends and pull the string.

KimWilson

@blevinandwomba what I am talking about is pole bean (like blue lake) have been turning out not with a round full pod, but flat and stringy instead. This is a common problem the last couple of years that many have written about online. Hopefully some of the varities that have been suggested so far will work out better for me next spring.

Lisa K

This year I grew Rattlesnake pole beans which were tasty! I got them from Seeds for Generations (a family owned business). Here is a link (sorry it takes you to their Giveaway contest which I just sent to some friends but you can click on the name to get to their seeds https://upvir.al/ref/fe48839800/)

blevinandwomba

@KimWilson I think I get what you mean. Well, I can thoroughly recommend the romano pole I mentioned, though I'm not sure where you would get it. I've grown Melungeon two years in a row, and I have been very pleased with it.

KimMullen

@KimWilson My favorite heirloom round green pole bean is Emerite. They always produce well. They are an old French variety.

KimWilson

@KimMullen Thank you. I will try that variety.

KimWilson

@blevinandwomba I will try to find it. Thank you

blevinandwomba

I usually get my beans, including the ones mentioned, from The Sample Seed Shop, but currently her site is down due to illness.

KimWilson

@blevinandwomba thank you. I will try them out when able

Grounded

I tried, French Climbing beans and Dragon's Tongue beans and had pretty good luck with both. While a few beans of each variety grew somewhat flat, for the most part I had a very nice, full, tender beans. I purchased both from Seed Saver's Exchange. My only problem with both varieties is that I planted them too close together and did not go high enough with my supports. Add to that that volunteer decorative Morning Glories were more than glad to invade the pole bean patch, It left me with a jungle of beans and beautiful blue flowers, which made harvesting the beans an adventure.

KimWilson

@Grounded Wow that sounds lovely. I must admit that I will miss all the flowers of the summer as much as I will miss the bounty of food.