Organic 'Jacob's Cattle' Golden Bush Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) – offered by Gaia, a heritage treasure with golden speckled beans
'Jacob's Cattle Gold' dwarf bean is an exceptional heirloom variety , renowned for its edible green pods and unique gold-flecked beans . This cross between the famous Jacob's Cattle and Paint bean combines rich, creamy flavour with captivating beauty. A favourite in the kitchen, it excels in soups and stews , where its melt-in-the-mouth texture works wonders.
Easy to grow, this bushy dwarf bean does not require staking and fits perfectly into a diversified vegetable garden . It appreciates well-drained soil and full sun exposure for abundant production.
Did you know?
Speckled beans, such as Jacob's Cattle Gold , have been prized for centuries for their high protein content and ability to absorb flavors well in dishes. Their speckled appearance was once associated with spiritual and medicinal beliefs in some indigenous cultures.
Spread : Bushy habit, no need for support
Plant height : 40 to 50 cm
Quantity per pack : ± 40 seeds
Companion plants : Corn, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, peas, radish, potato, squash, nasturtium, rosemary
Enemy plants : Alliums (onions, garlic, leek), beetroot
Cultivation method
Before sowing, it is advisable to soak the seeds in warm water for a maximum of 8 hours to promote germination. Prolonged soaking could harm the viability of the seeds. Once ready, they should be sown directly in the open ground , after the last frosts, when the soil is sufficiently warmed.
'Jacob's Cattle Gold' bean prefers a light, well-drained soil with good sunlight. It is important to leave about 8 to 10 cm between each plant and 30 cm between rows to ensure good air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Moderate but regular watering is necessary to promote optimal growth, while avoiding excess water which could lead to root rot.
For a continuous harvest throughout the season, it is possible to stagger the sowing by spacing them about three weeks apart. This bean reaches maturity after about 80 days , offering a beautiful production of tasty and colorful beans.
Harvesting and conservation
The pods must be mature and well dried before harvesting. It is best to let them dry on the vine as much as possible to maximize their preservation. Once harvested, the beans should be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid deterioration.
If you want to extend their shelf life, freezing dried beans is a great option. This helps preserve their taste and nutritional quality while protecting them from potential pantry insects.
With its compact habit , its spotted beauty and its excellent culinary quality , the bean 'Jacob's Cattle Gold' is an essential choice for gardeners and gourmets in search of authentic varieties! 🌱
