Organic 'Gaia's Speckled Malawi Mix' bean

Organic 'Speckled Malawi Mix' bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ), offered by Gaia, a colorful heritage blend

The 'Speckled Malawi Mix' bean is a climbing heirloom variety , native to Malawi , distinguished by its unique blend of speckled beans in shades of purple, red and brown . Its diversity of colours and textures make it a true horticultural treasure , while offering a creamy, slightly nutty flavour . Highly productive, it adapts easily to different growing conditions and guarantees a generous harvest throughout the season.

This vigorous climbing bean requires a sturdy trellis or suitable support to flourish fully. It is ideal for gardeners looking for a variety that is as beautiful as it is tasty , both hardy and nutritious .

Did you know?

Malawi beans are renowned for their resilience to climatic variations and their excellent nutritional value . In some local cultures, they are considered a valuable source of protein and are often used in traditional stews.

Spread : Climbing plant requiring support
Plant height : 1.5 to 2 m
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 improve germination. Prolonged soaking may reduce their viability. Sow directly into the ground after the last frost, when the soil temperature is above 21°C .

The 'Speckled Malawi Mix' bean grows best in rich, light, well-drained soil , with full sun exposure. To ensure good growth and avoid competition between plants, it is recommended to space them 8 to 10 cm apart in the row , with a distance of 60 cm between rows . Moderate watering is necessary, taking care to avoid excess moisture which could promote root diseases.

This variety reaches maturity in about 60 days , offering an abundant harvest. To extend the production period, it is possible to carry out successive sowings every three weeks .

Harvesting and conservation

The pods can be harvested young to be eaten as green beans , or left to mature on the vine to recover dried beans . For proper drying, it is advisable to allow the pods to brown completely before harvesting.

Once dried beans are removed from their pods, they should be stored in a dry and ventilated place . To avoid insect infestation, it is recommended to freeze them for 3 days before storing them in airtight containers.

With its vigorous growth , fascinatingly colored beans and delicate flavor , the 'Speckled Malawi Mix' bean is a must-have variety for gardening and culinary enthusiasts!