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Cherokee Pink Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Cherokee Pink'

A rare and beautiful heirloom dry bean with stunning pink and burgundy mottled coloring that's been passed down through Cherokee families for generations. This vigorous bush variety not only produces gorgeous beans but also offers exceptional flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for both ornamental and culinary purposes. The striking appearance and cultural significance make this a must-grow variety for heirloom enthusiasts.

Harvest

90-95d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Cherokee Pink Bean in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 bean →

Zone Map

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Cherokee Pink Bean · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Spacing4-6 inches

SoilWell-drained loam with moderate fertility

pH6.2-7.0

Water1 inch per week, consistent but not excessive

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild, nutty flavor with creamy texture when cooked

ColorPink and burgundy mottled pattern

SizeMedium oval, 0.4 inches long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	October – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	September – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	September – October
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	September – October
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	August – October
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	August – September
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	July – August
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	June – August

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter. Drainage: Good Drainage. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Rattlesnake'Pole Snap Bean, 'Rattlesnake'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The boat-shaped seed pods are bilaterally symmetrical and can be green, yellow, white, or purple at maturity. There is a wide variety of color and shape choices among cultivars.

Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Purple/Lavender, White. Type: Legume. Length: > 3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Storage & Preservation

Store dried Cherokee Pink beans in airtight containers in a cool, dark location. Properly dried and stored beans maintain quality for 2-3 years, though they're best used within the first year for optimal flavor and cooking time.

Before storage, ensure beans are completely dry—any residual moisture will lead to mold or insect problems. Place containers in the freezer for 48 hours to eliminate any potential bean weevil eggs, then transfer to your storage location.

For long-term preservation, vacuum-seal beans with oxygen absorber packets and store in a cool pantry or root cellar. Cherokee Pink beans also pressure-can beautifully, retaining their striking color when processed in soups or as standalone preserved beans. Their thick seed coat makes them excellent candidates for traditional storage methods used by Cherokee families, including clay vessels or tightly woven baskets lined with aromatic herbs to deter insects.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Seeds): Medium severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Corn

Provides natural support structure for climbing beans, part of Three Sisters planting

Squash

Large leaves provide ground cover and moisture retention, completes Three Sisters guild

Marigolds

Repel Mexican bean beetles, aphids, and other bean pests with strong scent

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attract beneficial predatory insects

Carrots

Deep roots don't compete with beans, beans' nitrogen fixation benefits carrot growth

Radishes

Break up soil for bean roots, mature quickly before beans need full space

Catnip

Repels flea beetles, ants, and other insects that damage bean plants

Summer Savory

Deters bean weevils and Mexican bean beetles, may improve bean flavor

Keep Apart

Onions

Inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root exudates

Garlic

Stunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial rhizobia bacteria

Fennel

Inhibits growth of beans through allelopathic compounds released from roots

Kohlrabi

Competes heavily for nutrients and may stunt bean development

Nutrition Facts

Protein

1.97g(4%)

Fiber

3.01g(11%)

Carbs

7.41g(3%)

Fat

0.275g(0%)

Vitamin K

43.9mcg(37%)

Iron

0.652mg(4%)

Calcium

40mg(3%)

Potassium

290mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346400)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Natural disease tolerance typical of native varieties

Common Pests

Bean weevil, Mexican bean beetle, cucumber beetle

Diseases

Common bacterial blight, rust, mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Cherokee Pink bean take to grow?▼

Cherokee Pink beans require 90-95 days from planting to harvest for dry beans. This longer maturity period allows the beans to develop their signature pink and burgundy coloring and thick seed coats. In zones 6 and below, start seeds as soon as soil warms to ensure full maturation before first frost.

Can you eat Cherokee Pink beans fresh?▼

Yes, Cherokee Pink beans can be harvested fresh as snap beans when pods are young and tender, typically 50-60 days after planting. However, most growers prefer to let them mature fully to enjoy the stunning pink and burgundy coloration that only develops in dried beans, plus their superior storage qualities.

Are Cherokee Pink beans good for beginners?▼

Cherokee Pink beans are moderately beginner-friendly. They're bush beans requiring no staking, but the longer growing season and specific harvest timing for proper color development require more patience than quick-maturing varieties. Success depends on proper soil drainage and avoiding overhead watering to prevent bacterial diseases.

Where can I buy Cherokee Pink bean seeds?▼

Cherokee Pink bean seeds are available through specialty heirloom seed companies, Native American seed preservation organizations, and seed swaps. Check sources like Native Seeds/SEARCH, Seed Savers Exchange, or connect with Cherokee Nation seed programs. Limited commercial availability makes seed saving important for maintaining this variety.

What do Cherokee Pink beans taste like?▼

Cherokee Pink beans have a mild, nutty flavor with a creamy texture when cooked. Their taste is less assertive than black beans but richer than navy beans, making them excellent for traditional Native American dishes, soups, and stews where they absorb surrounding flavors while maintaining their distinctive appearance.

Can Cherokee Pink beans grow in containers?▼

Cherokee Pink beans can grow in large containers (minimum 15-gallon capacity) with excellent drainage. Their bush habit makes them more container-suitable than pole varieties, but the 90-95 day maturity period requires consistent care throughout a long growing season. Ensure containers receive full sun and maintain steady moisture without waterlogging.