Organic 'Vermont Cranberry' bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) from Gaia Seeds, a heritage variety with speckled grains
The 'Vermont Cranberry' bean is an heirloom variety that has been grown in New England since before 1800. Unlike the True Cranberry Bean or Borlotti bean , this bean is distinguished by its cream-flecked, cranberry-red beans , enclosed in easy-to-shell pods containing 5 to 6 beans each.
Hardy and reliable , this variety is descended from the Dwarf Cranberry , cultivated by the native peoples of New England. It produces compact plants but can sometimes develop a slightly winey growth habit . Its rich flavor and tender texture make it an excellent choice for soups, stews, and casseroles .
Did you know?
The 'Vermont Cranberry' bean is prized for its high protein, fiber, and antioxidant content . Due to its nutritional richness, it has been a staple food for indigenous peoples and European settlers for centuries.
Spread : Bushy habit, sometimes slightly climbing
Plant height : 40-50 cm
Quantity per pack : ± 50 seeds
Companion plants : Corn, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, peas, radish, potato, squash, nasturtium, rosemary
Enemy plants : Alliums, beetroot
Cultivation method
The 'Vermont Cranberry' bean is grown in full sun , in light, fertile, well-drained soil . It tolerates drought well, but regular watering during the flowering and pod formation periods improves production.
Before sowing, soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 6 to 8 hours to speed up germination, but do not exceed this time to prevent them from rotting. Sow directly in open ground after the last frosts, 2 cm deep , spacing the plants 3 to 4 cm apart in the row and 18 to 24 cm between rows .
For a continuous harvest , stagger sowing every 3 weeks until mid-summer.
Harvesting and conservation
The 'Vermont Cranberry' bean is harvested when the pods are full and mature , before they begin to dry on the vine.
For long-term storage, allow the pods to dry on the plant until they become crisp, then harvest and shell them carefully . The beans can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.
With its rich history, delicate flavor and high nutritional value , the 'Vermont Cranberry' bean is a must-have heirloom variety for any gardener looking to grow a versatile and flavorful bean.
