Name: Organic 'African Yellow Bean' Kidney Bean Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Fabaceae

Gaia

Phaseolus vulgaris

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameAfrican yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry bean

FamilyFabaceae

GenusPhaseolus

Speciesvulgaris

CultivarAfrican Yellow Bean

Botanical namePhaseolus vulgaris

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 25 seeds

Organic 'African Yellow Bean' Kidney Bean Seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris). Also known as African Yellow Bean, this dry bean produces yellow seeds with firm skins that hold their shape during cooking. Its texture suits soups, chilis, stews, bean salads, and slow-simmered dishes. The annual plant develops a compact 18- to 24-inch habit suited to a sunny vegetable garden. Each Gaia packet contains approximately 25 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. The variety is open-pollinated and identified as an heirloom. Kew recognizes Phaseolus vulgaris as an accepted species in the Fabaceae family. 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 and air are thoroughly warm. Place seeds 1 to 2 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart, with approximately 12 inches between rows as listed by Gaia. A temperature of 21 to 31°C, preferably around 26°C, supports germination in 8 to 10 days. Grow in full sun and loose fertile well-drained soil. Water regularly without saturating the ground, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid excess nitrogen, which encourages foliage instead of bean production. Successive sowings at three-week intervals are possible where the remaining warm season is long enough for the 100-day crop. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Full maturity is listed at approximately 100 days. Wait until pods and beans are completely mature and dry, then harvest before an extended rainy period. Finish drying under cover with good airflow and shell only when pods are crisp. Store thoroughly dried beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Before eating, soak dry kidney beans for at least five hours, discard the soaking water, and boil vigorously in fresh water before continuing to cook until tender. Never eat raw or undercooked beans. This complete cooking step follows Canadian food-safety guidance for reducing naturally occurring lectins in dried kidney beans.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual
Hardiness: Warm-season annual, grown after all risk of frost has passed

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 30 cm (12 in) between rows

Germination temperature

21 to 31 °C (69.8 to 87.8 °F); ideally around 26 °C (78.8 °F).

Germination time

8 to 10 days

Sowing period

Direct sow after the last frost, once the soil has warmed

Propagation

Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety

Growing method

For African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry 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 12 inches apart as listed by Gaia. Maintain soil at 21 to 31°C, preferably around 26°C; emergence occurs in 8 to 10 days. Grow in full sun and loose well-drained soil. Keep the ground evenly moist without standing water, especially during flowering and pod development. Successive sowings every three weeks are possible when the remaining warm season allows the 100-day crop to mature. 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. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Minimum temperature

Does not tolerate frost; sow when soil and air are sufficiently warm

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Maintain even moisture without saturating the soil, especially during flowering and pod development. Water at soil level. 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 warm 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 African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry bean, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Weed around young plants, water at soil level, and maintain even moisture. Monitor slugs, aphids, and leaf damage. Late in the season, preserve good airflow around the compact plants so pods dry evenly. 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

Recommended pot size

Container of at least 20 to 30 L and 30 cm (12 in) deep per plant

Growing African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry bean in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. Growing in a large container is possible. Choose a deep well-drained pot, place it in full sun, and allow enough room for an 18- to 24-inch plant. 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 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in)

Width / spread

Approximately 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in)

Foliage color

Medium green

Foliage type

Trifoliate compound leaves

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Bushy, upright, and compact

Edible parts

Fully cooked dry beans

Fruiting

Pods containing firm-skinned yellow dry 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

Approximately 100 days

Harvest

Wait until pods and beans are completely mature and dry. Harvest before an extended rainy period, finish drying under cover with good airflow, then shell crisp pods and sort the beans.

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 African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry bean according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Grow this bush bean in a warm sunny part of the vegetable garden. Its compact 18- to 24-inch habit suits rows, edible beds, and large containers without requiring a tall trellis. Provide enough space for airflow and late-season pod drying. Because full maturity takes approximately 100 days, choose a location that receives sun throughout the season and sow promptly after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed. A low support may be added if plants lean under a heavy pod load, but the variety is naturally compact. 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 African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry 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

How many 'African Yellow Bean' Kidney Bean seeds are in the packet?

For African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry 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 'African Yellow Bean' Kidney Bean seeds in Canada?

For African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry bean, the stated sowing period is Direct sow after the last frost, once the soil has warmed. 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 'African Yellow Bean' Kidney Bean seeds take to germinate?

For African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry bean, the stated germination period is 8 to 10 days, with a germination temperature of 21 to 31°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 'African Yellow Bean' Kidney Bean in the garden?

For African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry 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: Container of at least 20 to 30 L and 30 cm (12 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 'African Yellow Bean' Kidney Bean?

For African yellow kidney bean; African Yellow Bean; yellow dry bean, the confirmed edible parts are: Fully cooked 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.