Organic 'Soldier' kidney bean
Organic 'Soldier' kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) from the seed company Gaia, a tender and robust Nordic heritage bean
The 'Soldier' bean is a North American heirloom variety cultivated since the 1800s , easily recognizable by its white seeds marked with a red pattern resembling a little soldier—hence its name, also known as the red-eye bean . Productive, tender, and meaty, it offers a high yield even in cooler climates and exhibits good drought tolerance . Prized for soups, stews, baked beans, and traditional New England casseroles, it remains a classic for gardeners and cooks seeking a flavorful and reliable dry bean.
Companion plants : Corn, Carrot, Cabbage, Cucumber, Peas, Radish, Potato, Squash, Nasturtium, Rosemary
Nefarious plants : Alliums, Beetroot
Spread/Habit : Bushy habit, upright pods
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Northern heirloom bean, "soldier/red-eye" pattern, high yield, drought tolerant, excellent dry bean
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Tender and plump dried beans, mild flavor ideal for stews
Cold tolerance : Does not tolerate frost (sow after frosts)
Farming method
Soak the seeds for a maximum of 8 hours in lukewarm water to improve germination (longer soaking risks seed death). Sow directly after the last frost at a depth of 2.5–5 cm . Space plants 7–10 cm apart and rows 30 cm apart .
Provide full sun (level 3) and moderate watering (level 2). For continuous harvesting, sow seeds every 3 weeks . Germination takes 8 to 10 days at temperatures between 21 and 31°C (optimum 26°C).
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the pods and seeds are fully mature and dry . Ensure good air circulation so the dried beans can finish drying properly. Store only dried beans , in an airtight container, away from moisture.
Usage ideas
• In traditional bean soup
• In typical New England cooked dishes
• In rich and nourishing stews or casseroles
• For bean purees and spreads
• As dried beans for winter cooking
The 'Soldier' bean is a prized culinary heirloom: robust, productive and delicious, ideal for Nordic gardens and lovers of traditional dried beans.
