Organic 'Blue Jay' Bean

Organic 'Blue Jay' bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) – offered by Gaia, a heritage variety saved from oblivion

The 'Blue Jay' bean is an heirloom variety with a remarkable history. Originally bred by Russ Crow in Michigan , it nearly became extinct before being found and preserved by Bob Wildfong of Seeds of Diversity and revived by Andrea Berry of Hope Seeds . This versatile bean can be enjoyed fresh or dried , offering a tender texture and rich flavor that is perfect for soups, stews, and casseroles .

Easy to grow, it stands out for its vigorous growth and resistance to disease . Its bushy and compact shape makes it easy to integrate into a diversified vegetable garden , without requiring a stake.

Did you know?

The 'Blue Jay' bean gets its name from the subtle blue hues that sometimes appear on its dried beans. This heirloom variety is prized not only for its savory flavor , but also for its adaptability to cool climates , making it an excellent choice for regions with shorter seasons.

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, soak the seeds in warm water for up to 8 hours to encourage germination. Soaking for longer may damage them. When the soil is well warmed after the last frosts, sow directly in the open ground , spacing each plant about 8 to 10 cm apart and leaving 30 cm between rows .

This bean prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil , rich in organic matter. It appreciates moderate but regular watering, taking care not to soak the soil, which could encourage the appearance of fungal diseases. To obtain a continuous harvest, it is advisable to carry out successive sowings every three weeks .

The rapid growth of this variety allows a harvest after about 60 days , depending on climatic conditions.

Harvesting and conservation

The pods can be picked young for consumption as fresh beans , or left to fully mature on the vine to harvest the dried beans. For optimal drying, it is best to allow the pods to open naturally before harvesting.

Once dried, beans should be stored in a cool, dry place , away from moisture. To prevent insect infestation, it is recommended to freeze them for 3 days before storing them in airtight jars.

With its beautiful preservation history , delicate flavor , and ease of growing , the 'Blue Jay' bean is an excellent choice for gardeners keen to grow rare and heirloom varieties! ??