Gaia

Phaseolus vulgaris

Available

Pay in 4 interest-free payments withSezzle

Delivery and pickup: view conditions

Product information
Advice adapted to Canada
Secure payment
Share

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated
Common nameBlue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean
FamilyFabaceae
GenusPhaseolus
Speciesvulgaris
CultivarBlue Coco
Typeopen-pollinated heirloom seeds
Botanical namePhaseolus vulgaris
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietytrue
Quantity per packetApproximately 25 seeds

'Blue Coco' pole bean Seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris). This heirloom develops into a 5- to 7-foot vine bearing attractive bicoloured pods that turn deep blue-purple when mature. The beans inside are creamy white and resemble Great Northern beans. Gaia recommends the variety for home gardens and fresh-market harvests. Each packet contains approximately 25 organic seeds; the current product page does not claim organic certification. The variety is annual and open-pollinated. Kew accepts Phaseolus vulgaris in the Fabaceae family. Its colourful pods combine ornamental appeal with a versatile edible crop on a manageable trellis. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Direct sow after the last frost once soil has warmed, 1 to 2 inches deep. Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart and leave approximately 24 inches between rows. A temperature of 21 to 30°C, preferably around 26°C, supports emergence in 8 to 10 days. Install a sturdy trellis before stems begin climbing. Grow in full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Water regularly without standing water, especially during flowering and pod development. Gaia currently specifies no number of days to maturity for Blue Coco, so follow pod development and local conditions rather than relying on an invented date. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds.

Pick young tender pods for cooking, or let them turn deep blue-purple and dry for a harvest of creamy white beans. For a dry crop, wait for full maturity, choose a rain-free period, and finish drying under cover with good airflow. Store thoroughly dried beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Before eating, soak the beans, discard the soaking water, and cook completely in fresh water until tender. Never consume raw or undercooked beans. Remove damaged or damp beans before storage and keep seed reserved for future planting clearly labelled and separate from the culinary harvest.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Annual
Hardiness
Warm-season annual grown after the last frost
Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 in), direct sown

Spacing / density

7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) between plants and approximately 61 cm (24 in) between rows

Germination temperature

21 to 30 °C (69.8 to 86 °F); ideally around 26 °C (78.8 °F).

Germination time

8 to 10 days

Sowing period

Direct sow after the last frost; successive sowings may be made every three weeks

Propagation

Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety

Growing method

For Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Direct sow after the last frost, 1 to 2 inches deep. Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart and rows approximately 24 inches apart. Maintain soil at 21 to 30°C, preferably around 26°C; emergence occurs in 8 to 10 days. Install a sturdy trellis before stems begin climbing. Grow in full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Keep the ground evenly moist without standing water. Gaia specifies no days to maturity; follow pod colour and texture. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.
Soil and care

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Water regularly at soil level without saturating the ground, especially during flowering and pod development. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Soil type

Fertile loose well-drained soil Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before sowing. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of pods. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Seasonal care

For Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Guide young stems onto a sturdy trellis, tie them loosely when needed, and monitor aphids, slugs, and leaf damage. Water at soil level and preserve good airflow around pods. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early. Feed moderately according to soil fertility; steady growth is preferable to excessive or unbalanced fertilizer applications.
Growing in containers

Container growing

Container growing

Recommended pot size

Large container of at least 30 to 40 L and 41 cm (16 in) deep per plant
Growing Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. Growing in a large container is possible with an independent sturdy trellis. Choose a pot at least 16 inches deep with excellent drainage and full sun. Allow room for a vine reaching 5 to 7 feet. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.
Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 1.5 to 2.1 m (5 to 7 ft) with support

Width / spread

Approximately 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in)

Foliage color

Medium green

Foliage type

Trifoliate compound leaves

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Climbing, twining, and vigorous

Edible parts

Cooked young pods; fully cooked creamy white dry beans

Fruiting

Bicoloured pods turning deep blue-purple and containing creamy white beans Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Days to maturity

Harvest according to pod colour and texture; Gaia publishes no numbered maturity period for Blue Coco

Harvest

Pick young pods while still tender for cooking. For dry beans, wait until pods turn deep blue-purple and reach full maturity. Harvest before extended rain, finish drying under cover with good airflow, and shell the crisp pods.
Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia traditionally suggests corn, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, pea, radish, potato, squash, nasturtium, and rosemary. These pairings do not replace essential practices: crop rotation, full sun, adequate spacing, and good airflow around developing pods. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Plants to avoid

Gaia traditionally recommends separating beans from alliums and beet. This list is not absolute; prioritize rotation away from other legumes, well-drained soil, and enough space to keep foliage dry and limit disease.

Garden use

In the garden, place Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Grow Blue Coco at the base of a sturdy trellis in full sun. Its 5- to 7-foot vine suits rows, medium arches, and large containers with an independent support. Allow approximately 24 inches between rows for access and airflow. Bicoloured pods turn deep blue-purple at maturity and add ornamental interest before revealing creamy white beans. Guide young stems without constricting them and harvest pods intended for fresh use regularly. Reserve clearly labelled plants for seed saving when preserving this open-pollinated heirloom. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days.
Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For four servings with Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean, harvest seeds, grain, or pods at the recommended stage and sort the crop carefully. Prepare about 250 g of edible material. Rinse under potable water; for dried beans or other pulses, soak when appropriate, discard the soaking water, and cook completely in fresh water before tasting. Drain, then combine with 30 ml of oil, 15 ml of lemon juice or vinegar, one small chopped shallot, and fresh herbs. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled with seasonal vegetables. Young pods and corn may be cooked separately to the desired texture before assembly. Never eat dried beans raw or undercooked. Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container within two hours and use them promptly. Serve promptly to preserve the texture and aromas that distinguish this harvest. Taste before adding more salt so the variety’s own character remains at the centre of the dish. Use a clean board and utensils, then refrigerate promptly any portion that will not be served immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Blue Coco' pole bean seeds are in the packet?
For Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean, the packet information states: Approximately 25 seeds. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.
How should I start 'Blue Coco' pole bean seeds in Canada?
For Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean, the stated sowing period is Direct sow after the last frost; successive sowings may be made every three weeks. The recommended method is Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety, at a depth of 25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 in), direct sown. Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.
How long do 'Blue Coco' pole bean seeds take to germinate?
For Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean, the stated germination period is 8 to 10 days, with a germination temperature of 21 to 30°C; preferably around 26°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.
Where should I grow 'Blue Coco' pole bean in the garden?
For Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is the detailed directions in the product record. For container growing, the product record recommends: Large container of at least 30 to 40 L and 41 cm (16 in) deep per plant. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.
When and how should I harvest 'Blue Coco' pole bean?
For Blue Coco pole bean; Blue Coco bean, the confirmed edible parts are: Cooked young pods; fully cooked creamy white dry beans. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.

Seed-starting essentials

Click a product to build your selection.

Your selection

Total