Organic 'Navy' dwarf bean
Organic 'Navy' dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) from the seed company Gaia, a classic, productive and reliable dry bean
The 'Navy' bean is a dwarf heirloom variety prized for its high yield and uniform white beans, perfect for soups, purées, stews, and casseroles. Plants reach approximately 60 cm (2 feet) in height and produce long, 5-inch pods , each containing 5 to 6 beans . Very stable in cultivation, it dries well on the plant and makes an excellent dry bean for winter storage. Its compact growth makes it an ideal choice for small gardens and novice gardeners.
Companion plants : Corn, Carrot, Cabbage, Cucumber, Peas, Radish, Potato, Squash, Nasturtium, Rosemary
Nefarious plants : Alliums, Beetroot
Spread/carry : Dwarf, upright
Plant height : 50 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 50 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Classic white bean, very productive, long pods, perfect for dried beans, reliable heirloom variety
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Sweet, creamy dried bean, excellent for soups and purées
Cold tolerance : Not frost tolerant
Farming method
To improve germination, soak the seeds for a maximum of 8 hours in lukewarm water (longer soaking increases the risk of death). Sow directly after the last frost , at a depth of 2.5–5 cm .
Space the plants 7 to 10 cm apart and the rows 30 cm apart. Germination takes 8 to 10 days between 21 and 31 °C (optimum 26 °C).
Provide full sun exposure (level 3) and moderate watering (level 2). To stagger the harvest, sow every 3 weeks .
Harvesting and preservation
Wait until the pods have completely browned and dried on the plant. Leave plenty of space around the plants to promote ventilation, which is essential for drying.
Store only dried beans , in an airtight container, away from moisture and light.
Usage ideas
• In Navy bean soup , an American classic
• As a puree or white spread
• In stews or casseroles
• As a protein base in vegetarian menus
• In home preserves
The 'Navy' bean is a sure bet: compact, very productive, tasty, and perfect for long-term storage. An essential for any vegetable garden focused on food self-sufficiency.
