Name: Organic 'Seychelles' pole bean
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

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Illustration de haricots grimpants « Seychelles » : gousses vertes allongées sur la vigne, avec feuillage et fleurs blanches autour d’un treillis de bambou.

Pole green bean with stringless pods Fabaceae

Organic pole-bean seeds

Biologiquement vôtre

Phaseolus vulgaris

From seed to harvest

Open-pollinated

Common nameGreen pole bean, climbing snap bean

FamilyFabaceae

GenusPhaseolus

Speciesvulgaris

CultivarSeychelles

TypePole green bean with stringless pods

Botanical namePhaseolus vulgaris

Reproducible seedsYes

Organic 'Seychelles' pole bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a very early productive climbing variety and a 2017 All-America Selections winner. Vigorous dark-green vines generally climb 2–3 m and carry easy-to-see clusters of straight smooth stringless dark-green approximately 13–15 cm pods. White seed develops slowly, extending the period in which pods remain slender and tender. They may be steamed, sautéed, roasted, chilled in salad, or frozen after blanching. Vertical growth makes productive use of a small sunny footprint, provided the support is installed before roots and vines make later construction difficult.

Install a strong trellis, net, or poles at least 2–2.5 m tall before sowing. Direct-sow after all frost risk once soil exceeds 16°C, approximately 2.5–3 cm deep and 8–15 cm apart. Place in full sun in loose moderately fertile well-drained soil. Guide young vines to the support without tight ties, then let them twine. Keep soil evenly moist during bloom and pod formation. Excess nitrogen creates long leafy vines at the expense of blossoms. Mulch only after soil warms, keep ties loose, and preserve a clear path for watering and harvest on both sides of the trellis.

Harvest generally starts in approximately 55–60 days and may require up to 65 days in cooler conditions. Pick every two or three days when pods are smooth and snappy before seed swells; vertical growth requires inspection from bottom to top. The variety has documented intermediate resistance to anthracnose and one or more races of bean common mosaic virus. Do not turn this protection into immunity: space plants, avoid handling wet foliage, and rotate for three years. 'Seychelles' is protected by plant-variety rights in some jurisdictions. Cool harvested pods promptly, remove badly diseased foliage, and clean tools before moving to healthy rows.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Warm-season annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 2.5 to 3 cm (1 to 1 1/4 in)

Spacing / density

Approximately 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in) between plants at a trellis and 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) between rows

Germination temperature

Approximately 18 to 29 °C (64.4 to 84.2 °F)

Germination time

Approximately 6 to 12 days in suitably warm soil; avoid sowing into cold, saturated soil.

Sowing period

After all frost risk once soil is warm, from late May into mid-July depending on first-frost date Adjust these dates to your local frost dates and soil conditions; Canadian growing seasons vary by region.

Propagation

Direct sowing only after soil warms

Growing method

Growing 'Seychelles' bean from seed. Install a 2–2.5 m trellis before sowing. One to two weeks after final frost, direct-sow 2.5–3 cm deep in soil above 16°C at 8–15 cm spacing. Keep moist until emergence, then guide young vines without tight ties. Mulch after soil warms, water at the base during bloom, and avoid excess nitrogen. From 55–60 days, pick bottom to top every two or three days to maintain flowering. After emergence, retain the strongest plants and cut extras rather than pulling their roots. Guide first vines with wide loose ties, then let them twine. Weed shallowly, mulch after soil warms, and water at the base during flowering. Inspect the trellis from bottom to top and pick every two or three days from approximately 55–60 days, before seeds swell. Avoid wet foliage, remove severely diseased leaves, and keep paths clear. Check anchors after strong wind. After final harvest, clean the support, record the location, and rotate for three years away from other legumes. Chill pods promptly, cook before serving, and clean tools before moving from affected vines to healthy plants. Keep tendrils away from doors, gutters, cables, and every fragile structure. Refrigerate harvested pods without delay.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Moisture

Steady moisture during flowering and pod formation without saturation

Care level

Moderate

Watering

As 'Seychelles' pole bean climbs, extend each watering across the root zone rather than wetting only the base of the trellis. Water 'Seychelles' pole bean slowly at soil level, then let the surface start drying; saturation around newly sown seed can delay establishment. Morning irrigation keeps 'Seychelles' pole bean's foliage drier and permits pod inspection without carrying moisture between plants. Check container-grown 'Seychelles' pole bean more often during bloom and harvest, emptying standing water immediately. Pick 'Seychelles' pole bean's mature pods regularly and reassess moisture after hot or windy days instead of following a rigid schedule.

Soil type

'Seychelles' pole bean needs a deep, stable root zone beside its trellis, with soil that drains after heavy rain. Mix mature compost through 'Seychelles' pole bean's bed without compressing it, and avoid low ground where cool water surrounds newly sown seed. For 'Seychelles' pole bean, the supplied pH guidance is approximately 6.0 to 7.0; test first and amend only when results justify it. Give container-grown 'Seychelles' pole bean the recommended root volume and airy mix, with clear drainage and a support that does not crush roots. A level 'Seychelles' pole bean seedbed promotes even emergence and prevents later watering from pooling around individual plants.

Fertilization

Work a moderate amount of mature compost into the bed before sowing. In balanced soil, pole beans require little nitrogen because roots may form nodules with compatible bacteria. When testing identifies deficiency, apply low-rate balanced fertilizer according to label directions. Avoid nitrogen-rich products, fresh manure, and concentrated fertilizer placed against seed or crowns. Feed containers lightly only when foliage pales.

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for 'Seychelles' bean. In spring, wait for warm soil, direct-sow, and temporarily protect seedlings from birds or slugs. Weed shallowly before roots fill the space. During summer, mulch, water at the base, and inspect leaf undersides for aphids and beetle eggs. Pick every day or two without handling wet foliage to limit disease spread. After final harvest, remove diseased plants; healthy plants may be composted. Rotate the site with non-legume crops. During growth, guide only vines that leave the trellis and keep every tie loose. Check anchors after storms, cut any string constricting a stem, and maintain access on both sides. Once harvest begins, inspect from soil level to the top every two or three days. During very hot weather, monitor moisture more often and keep mulch away from stems. Remove overmature pods and severely spotted leaves. At season end, cut vines instead of violently pulling roots, clean the support, discard diseased tissue, and record sowing and harvest dates. Refrigerate pods promptly, cook before serving, and avoid leaving baskets in direct sun. When disease appears, remove affected tissue without shaking it above healthy plants and avoid reusing contaminated mulch. Clean scissors between vines. During prolonged rain, postpone harvest until foliage dries and inspect support stability before entering beneath an arch. Keep row labels readable, store harvested pods promptly, and wash reusable netting before dry storage.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

At least 45 to 60 L and 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in) deep with a 2 m trellis

Growing 'Seychelles' bean in containers. Use a very stable container of at least 45–60 L and 35–40 cm deep for three plants with a firmly secured trellis 2 m or taller. A light tub tips under vine wind load. Fill with loose compost-amended potting mix, sow 10–15 cm apart, and place in full sun. Water to drainage whenever the surface dries, often daily during fruiting. Guide young vines, harvest to the top, and regularly inspect support fastenings. Install before sowing a trellis attached to the container or an independent structure strong enough for 2–3 m vines. Place the pot in full sun without blocking an exit or exposing tendrils to electrical wires. Sow near the support edge and guide first vines with soft ties. Check moisture daily during flowering, water until drainage appears, and empty the saucer. Apply light mulch after the mix warms. Rotate only a pot whose trellis is not attached to a building. Pick regularly at every height, keep holes clear, and inspect anchors after each strong wind. Chill harvested pods promptly and clean the container at season end. Label the sowing, keep harvest access clear, and remove vines carefully at season end without damaging the container or support.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 2 to 3 m (7 to 10 ft)

Width / spread

Approximately 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) at ground level, then trained vertically on a support

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Trifoliate leaves on bushy branches

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Vigorous climbing habit with twining vines

Fragrance

Mild crisp juicy tender pods

Edible parts

Immature pods cooked; mature dry beans only after thorough cooking

Bloom period

'Seychelles' forms self-fertile flowers before its pods enlarge. Keep the root zone evenly moist during bloom. Visiting insects may supplement 'Seychelles' pole bean's normal self-pollination. Do not treat every fallen blossom as disease. For Green pole bean, each retained blossom can develop into a pod. Let open flowers remain accessible to visiting insects. Pick mature pods to help 'Seychelles' continue flowering. Stable growth matters more than forcing extra bloom. For 'Seychelles' pole bean, its flowering stems can drop blossoms during drought or heat. For Green pole bean, avoid disturbing roots while blossoms become young pods.

Fruiting

Pollinated flowers become straight dark-green pods approximately 13–15 cm long containing white seeds. Pick while smooth and tender before beans swell. Frequent harvest supports continued flowering. For private non-commercial seed saving where permitted, let several pods mature and dry completely on healthy plants, then store beans dry after checking germination. Label the cultivar and harvest year, and keep seed separate from food pods.

Days to maturity

Approximately 55 to 60 days

Harvest

Begin in approximately 55–60 days. Inspect the trellis from bottom to top every two or three days and pick when pods measure 13–15 cm, are smooth, dark green, and snappy before seed creates bumps. Support clusters to avoid removing nearby blossoms. One pod left to mature signals vines to reduce flowering. Refrigerate unwashed in a perforated bag for seven to ten days. For freezing, blanch then chill promptly. Use a stable step stool when supports exceed reach; never pull vines downward.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Seychelles beans need a trellis, so the most useful companion plan begins with the support's position. Put shorter crops on the side that retains adequate sunlight, and leave a clear picking route along the bean wall. An early lettuce crop may finish before the climbing canopy fills out. Keep other vigorous climbers on separate supports to prevent an unmanageable tangle. Beans fix nitrogen for their own growth through suitable root associations, but should not be treated as an immediate fertilizer supply for every neighbouring vegetable during the same season.

Plants to avoid

Mainly avoid short rotation with beans and peas; absolute incompatibility with Alliums is not sufficiently confirmed

Garden use

'Seychelles' bean in the vegetable garden. Grow 'Seychelles' on the north side of a vegetable bed along a strong trellis, taut net, arch, or securely tied poles. This position reduces shade cast onto lower vegetables. Vertical growth turns a small footprint into a 2–3 m edible wall and may create a temporary divider or mark an entrance. Leave a path on both sides for base watering, leaf inspection, and harvest from bottom to top. Sow after soil warms and avoid wind-exposed sites without reliable anchoring. Lettuce or radish may briefly occupy the front of the row before vines cover the support without guaranteeing pest protection. Keep tendrils away from gutters, fragile fencing, and cables. Pick every two or three days so mature pods do not slow new blossoms. At season end, cut vines, remove diseased residue, clean the support, and move legumes elsewhere for three years. Keep harvested beans shaded until they reach the kitchen and refrigerate them promptly. A freestanding support simplifies rotation, while a permanent arch should be cleaned before the next crop. Keep vines away from doors and narrow traffic areas. Mark both ends of the row so visitors do not pull on load-bearing stems.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

'Seychelles' bean in the kitchen. Lemony green beans — Wash and trim 500 g sound young pods. Steam for 5 to 7 minutes until tender-crisp. Toss immediately with 15 ml butter or oil, 10 ml lemon juice, chopped summer savory, salt, and pepper. Serve hot or chill promptly for salad. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Raw beans contain lectins, so cook before eating and discard every mouldy, slimy, or abnormal-smelling pod. This quantity makes approximately four servings. Serve with fish, eggs, potatoes, or legumes. To freeze an abundant harvest, blanch clean pods, cool them in ice water, drain thoroughly, and package in dated portions. Use them later in cooked dishes and never refreeze thawed food. Wash the board and utensils after contact with garden soil, and refrigerate prepared leftovers promptly. Serve immediately for the freshest colour and texture. When preparing several harvests, keep raw and cooked utensils separate, date frozen portions clearly, and use the oldest packages first. Follow tested instructions for every canned or pickled preserve.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

Seychelles climbing beans can receive insect visitors along their flowering trellis, but they do not require a second bean variety to produce pods. Keep the base and picking side accessible. Flowering companions are best positioned where they will not climb into the bean supports or interfere with repeated harvests.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Seychelles' truly a pole bean?

Yes. 'Seychelles' is a true pole bean. Vigorous vines reach approximately 2–3 m and require a strong trellis, net, fence, or poles installed before sowing. growing without support would create ground tangles, dirty pods, and more disease. Climbing habit also explains the longer staggered harvest. Install the support before sowing so later construction does not damage roots. Anchor it against wind, leave access on both sides, and keep tendrils away from cables, gutters, and doors. Check ties after every storm, and never let string constrict a thickening stem. Use a structure at least 2–2.5 m tall and strong enough for wet loaded vines. Clean it after final harvest.

Why does 'Seychelles' produce so early despite climbing?

The variety was selected for vigorous early growth and early pod set. First pods generally arrive in approximately 55–60 days, close to some bush beans, then vines continue climbing and blooming. Soil warmth, sun, moisture, and sowing date may shift this marker; cooler conditions may nevertheless delay harvest to approximately 65 days. Use pod appearance rather than calendar alone: they should be smooth, snappy, and barely bumpy. Pick in the morning after dew dries, support vines with one hand, and keep the basket shaded. Inspect every height because one hidden overmature pod may slow new bloom. Chill pods promptly, cook before eating, and discard every slimy or mouldy portion.

Which diseases does 'Seychelles' resist?

'Seychelles' has intermediate resistance to anthracnose and one or more races of bean common mosaic virus. Intermediate resistance may reduce symptoms or losses under some pressure without making plants immune. It does not cover white mould, rust, or every bacterial disease. Maintain at least a three-year rotation, space plants, water at the base, and avoid handling wet foliage. Clean tools before moving from a diseased vine to a healthy one, keep the trellis airy, and avoid handling foliage after rain. Continue observing every plant because pathogens outside the listed resistance package may appear. Remove badly affected residue instead of composting it.

Can the top of 'Seychelles' be pruned?

Yes when vines exceed the top of a strong trellis. Pinch only the tender tip above the structure with a clean tool to encourage branching and lower pod set. Do not severely prune a young plant or remove large amounts of healthy foliage that feeds pods. Wear gloves and use a stable step stool rather than pulling vines. Pruning remains optional when the support safely allows continued growth. After pinching, guide new shoots toward open trellis space with broad loose ties. Continue inspecting every height and remove mature pods every two or three days to support flowering. Check trellis anchors after strong winds.

Can 'Seychelles' seed be saved?

Biologically, pods may brown and dry to produce seed. 'Seychelles' is nevertheless sold as a plant-variety-protected cultivar. In Canada, the CFIA states that private, non-commercial use of a protected variety is an exception to these rights. Propagation intended for exchange, sale, or commercial activity may still require authorization from the rights holder, so check applicable rules before such use. For private saving, select several healthy plants, let pods dry completely, shell them, and retain only firm seed in a dated envelope stored cool and dry. Do not save seed from virus-infected or severely diseased plants, and run a small germination test before the next sowing.