Dark Red ‘Jacob’s Cattle’ bean, certified organic seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Phaseolus vulgaris
Dark Red ‘Jacob’s Cattle’ bean, certified organic seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris) This heirloom dry bean produces striking seeds patterned in deep burgundy and white. Gaia highlights their excellent flavour and texture, particularly for soups, stews, and chili. Reliable bush plants reach approximately 24 to 36 inches high and add visual interest to the vegetable garden as their pods mature. Each packet contains approximately 25 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. The variety is annual and open-pollinated. Kew recognizes Phaseolus vulgaris as an accepted species in the Fabaceae family. The distinctive bean pattern also makes harvest and seed sorting especially memorable.
Direct sow after the last frost, once soil has warmed. Place seeds 1 to 2 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart, with approximately 24 inches between rows. A temperature of 21 to 30°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 at the expense of beans. A tall trellis is not normally required for these bush plants, although light support may help if stems lean under a heavy pod load.
Full maturity is listed at approximately 70 to 90 days. Wait until pods and beans are fully mature and dry, then harvest before an extended rainy period. Finish drying under cover with good airflow and shell pods once they are crisp. 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. Fully cooked Jacob’s Cattle beans retain an appealing texture in baked dishes, soups, stews, and chili while their burgundy-and-white markings make the dry harvest distinctive.
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