Best Beans & Legumes for Heirloom
61 bean varieties well-suited for heirloom varieties. Open-pollinated heritage cultivars with unique flavor.
Amethyst
Thinner, straighter, and more attractive than Royal Burgundy. Pods avg. 5-5 1/2" long and are set high on upright plants. Very good flavor raw or cooked. Pods turn green when cooked. Tan seeds. Bush bean.
Bamako
Straight, dainty, 4-5" pods on upright, tidy plants. Well-suited to hand harvest because stems stay on, keeping the pod intact. Bush bean.
Black Turtle Bush Bean
A classic dry bean variety prized for its rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture that makes it perfect for Latin American cuisine. These small, glossy black beans are incredibly nutritious and store exceptionally well, making them a pantry staple for home gardeners who want to grow their own protein source.
Black Valentine Bush Bean
A reliable heirloom bush bean prized for its exceptional cold tolerance and ability to produce in less-than-ideal conditions. This hardy variety has been a garden staple since the early 1900s, producing abundant crops of tender green pods even in cool weather. Black Valentine is the go-to choice for northern gardeners and anyone wanting a dependable, no-fuss bean variety.
Blue Lake Pole Bean
The gold standard of pole beans, Blue Lake produces heavy yields of tender, stringless pods that maintain their quality whether picked young or allowed to mature. This reliable variety climbs vigorously to 6-8 feet and delivers consistent harvests throughout the season, making it a favorite among home gardeners who want maximum production from minimal space.
Borlotto Bush Bean
An Italian heirloom treasure that produces stunning speckled pods streaked with red and cream, making it as ornamental as it is delicious. Also known as cranberry beans, these dual-purpose beauties can be harvested young as tender snap beans or left to mature for plump, flavorful shelling beans perfect for Italian cuisine.
Bountiful Bush Bean
A tried-and-true heirloom from 1898 that lives up to its name with incredibly heavy yields of tender, stringless pods. This variety is prized for its long harvest window and ability to produce well even in less-than-ideal conditions. Gardeners love its reliability and the fact that it continues producing over several weeks rather than all at once.
Burpee's Stringless Green Pod
A beloved heirloom introduced in 1894 that revolutionized bean growing by being one of the first truly stringless varieties available to home gardeners. These productive plants produce tender, meaty pods with exceptional flavor that remains consistent throughout the harvest season. A perfect choice for gardeners seeking reliable, old-fashioned quality with the convenience of modern stringless technology.
Bush Romano Italian
A classic Italian flat-podded bush bean that produces wide, meaty pods with exceptional flavor and tender texture. These productive plants deliver the authentic taste of Italian cuisine right from your garden, perfect for fresh eating or preserving. Romano beans are prized by chefs and home cooks alike for their superior cooking qualities and rich, nutty flavor.
Calypso Bush Bean
A striking heirloom dry bean featuring distinctive black and white orca-like markings that make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Originally from the Caribbean, this compact bush variety produces abundant pods filled with kidney-shaped beans perfect for soups, stews, and Caribbean dishes. The dramatic two-toned pattern and rich, earthy flavor make Calypso beans a favorite among both gardeners and chefs.
Capitano
Flat pods avg. 5 1/2-6" and have a rich flavor. Plants are large and semi-upright. Pairs nicely with Dulcina. White seeds. Bush bean.
Carminat
Much nicer than older purple pole bean varieties. Harvest pods at 8-9". Excellent, rich, and slightly sweet flavor. Suitable for fresh use in salads or cooked. Beans turn green when cooked. Tan seeds. Pole bean; requires trellising.
Cherokee Pink Bean
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.
Cherokee Purple Bean
Cherokee Purple Bean is a stunning heirloom snap bean variety prized for its distinctive dark purple pods that mature in approximately 72 days. The beans are notably slender and tender with an excellent snap texture when picked at peak immaturity. This variety delivers a sweet, mild flavor that stands out among purple bean cultivars, making it equally suited for fresh eating, steaming, or stir-frying. The plants produce prolifically in full sun, and the vibrant purple color adds visual appeal to any garden bed. True to its heirloom heritage, Cherokee Purple Bean offers home gardeners an unusual yet reliable producer with superior taste and texture.
Cherokee Purple Pod Bean
A stunning heirloom pole bean that produces gorgeous deep purple pods on vigorous vines, creating an eye-catching display in any garden. Beyond their ornamental value, these beans offer excellent flavor and turn green when cooked, making them both beautiful and delicious. This Cherokee Nation variety represents centuries of careful seed saving and cultural heritage.
Cherokee Trail of Tears
A sacred heirloom bean carried by Cherokee people during their forced relocation in the 1830s, preserving both history and exceptional flavor. These beautiful purple-black beans produce abundantly and are prized for their rich, meaty texture and deep, complex flavor that improves with cooking. A living piece of American history that connects modern gardeners to indigenous agricultural traditions.
Cobra
Straight, medium-green pods with sweet flavor. The pods are shorter than Fortex's at 6-7", but are faster to mature. Purple flowers. Black seeds. Pole bean; requires trellising.
Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean
An eye-catching heirloom variety that produces deep burgundy-red pods on sturdy bush plants. While the pods turn green when cooked, they're absolutely stunning in the garden and at harvest. This productive variety offers the same great taste as traditional green beans with the added visual appeal of colorful pods.
Dragon Tongue
A stunning Dutch heirloom that transforms any garden into a conversation piece with its cream-colored pods dramatically streaked with purple flames. Beyond their striking appearance, these beans offer exceptional flavor when harvested young as snap beans, with a tender texture and sweet, nutty taste that's perfect fresh or lightly cooked. The purple markings fade when cooked, but the superior flavor remains.
Dragon's Tongue
Avg. 6-6 1/2" flat pods are pale yellow with purple streaks. They are tender, sweet, and good in salads or cooked. Purple disappears upon cooking. Tan seeds with dark speckles. Bush bean.
Dulcina
The sweet medium-green pods avg. 5 1/2-6 x 3/4", and are borne on large semi-upright plants. White seeds. Plant Variety Protected. Bush bean.
Flambo
Pods avg. 5 1/2" and contain attractive, specked beans. For shell beans, harvest when pods turn dark red with a yellow background. Flambo is excellent fresh, frozen, or canned. Also makes a fine dry bean. Bush bean.
Fortex
Growing to over 11", Fortex produces extra-long round pods. Early and very productive, the beans may be picked at 7" in length for extra-slender "filet" beans. Green firm-textured pods are completely stringless and delicious at all lengths, even after the seeds enlarge. Walnut brown seeds. Pole bean; requires trellising.
Gold Marie Vining Bean
A stunning French heirloom that produces bright golden-yellow pods on vigorous climbing vines. This variety offers the best of both worlds with tender, flavorful snap beans when young and excellent shell beans when mature. The brilliant yellow color makes it a showstopper in the garden and adds vibrant color to any dish.
Golden Wax Bush Bean
A classic yellow wax bean that's been delighting gardeners since the 1870s with its bright golden pods and exceptional tenderness. These compact bush plants produce heavy yields of stringless, buttery-flavored beans that are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for both the dinner table and farmers market sales.
Goldilocks
The 5-6" pods are straight, attractive, flavorful and borne on large upright plants. Good heat tolerance. Concentrated set with good field-holding ability. Plant Variety Protected. White seeds. Bush bean.
Henderson Bush Lima
A compact, early-maturing lima bean perfect for northern gardens and small spaces, producing abundant crops of small, buttery lima beans in just 65 days. This reliable heirloom has been a garden favorite since the 1880s, valued for its dependable production and rich, creamy flavor. Unlike larger lima varieties, Henderson Bush thrives in cooler conditions and doesn't require the long, hot growing season that limits other lima beans.
Henderson Lima Bush
A compact, early-maturing lima bean that's been a garden favorite since 1888, perfect for short growing seasons and small spaces. These productive bushes yield tender, buttery baby lima beans that are much more palatable than large limas, with a creamy texture and mild flavor. An excellent choice for gardeners new to growing lima beans or those wanting a reliable, heat-tolerant variety.
Jacob's Cattle Bush Bean
A stunning heirloom dry bean with distinctive white and maroon spotted patterns that earned its name from resembling the biblical Jacob's spotted cattle. This New England heritage variety combines beautiful appearance with exceptional flavor, making it both a conversation starter and a delicious addition to soups and stews.
Jacob's Cattle Pole Bean
A historic New England heirloom dating back to the 1800s, named for its resemblance to the speckled cattle mentioned in the Biblical story of Jacob. This vigorous pole variety produces beautiful white beans with distinctive maroon splotches and offers exceptional flavor and protein content. The beans have been a staple in Maine cuisine for generations and are prized for their ability to hold their shape and absorb flavors in traditional bean dishes.
Jade
Arguably the best-tasting bush bean we offer, Jade's 6-7", slender, deep green pods are exceptionally tender and delicious. High-yielding even under heat or cold stress, Jade has been a customer favorite since its debut in our 1992 catalog. Pale green seeds. Bush bean.
Karikachi
Very tall, upright plants are sturdy and vigorous, producing large plump pods averaging three seeds each. Tastes great when steamed. Larger yields than Tohya and strong resistance to lodging. Indeterminate. Light tan pubescence. Bush bean.
Kentucky Wonder Pole
America's most beloved heirloom pole bean, cherished by gardeners since the 1850s for its incredible productivity and old-fashioned bean flavor. These vigorous climbing vines produce an abundance of long, curved pods that are best harvested young and tender, though they can also be left to mature for excellent shell beans. A true garden workhorse that keeps producing until frost.
King of the Garden Lima Pole
The undisputed champion of lima beans, this vigorous pole variety produces enormous pods filled with large, buttery lima beans that are considered the finest flavored available. Dating back to the 1880s, this heirloom climber delivers impressive yields and sets the standard for what a premium lima bean should taste like.
Lazy Housewife Pole Bean
Despite its unfortunate historical name, this 1800s heirloom is beloved for its completely stringless pods and dual-purpose nature as both snap and shell bean. The creamy white seeds are delicious fresh or dried, and the plants are incredibly productive climbers. This variety truly lives up to its reputation for being low-maintenance while delivering exceptional harvests.
Lima King of the Garden Pole
An impressive pole lima bean that produces the largest, most flavorful lima beans you can grow in a home garden. This vigorous climbing variety yields enormous pods packed with 4-5 buttery, sweet beans that are considered the gold standard for fresh or dried lima bean cuisine.
Marvel of Venice
Full of flavor, the 8-9" pods are 3/4" wide and borne on vigorous vines. This white-seeded variety is remarkably early (earlier than the black-seeded variety with the same name). Pole bean; requires trellising.
Maxibel
High yields of slender, 7" green pods. Extended pod set. Brown mottled seeds. Bush bean.
Monte Gusto
This elegant, flavorful wax bean is a clear improvement over older varieties. Pods mature at 8-8 1/2" but may also be harvested as very attractive filet beans at 7". Better-tasting than bush wax beans. Brown seeds. Pole bean; requires trellising.
Northeaster
This early maturing Roma-type pole bean has a deliciously rich, sweet flavor. The 8" long, 1" wide, flat green pods are stringless and stay tender for long periods. Extra vigorous in the seedling stage with strong vine growth. white seeds. Pole bean; requires trellising.
Pencil Pod Black Wax Bean
A treasured heirloom wax bean dating back to the 1890s, Pencil Pod Black Wax produces beautiful golden-yellow pods that are perfectly round and stringless. This reliable bush variety offers exceptional flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among gardeners who appreciate both historical significance and superior eating quality. The bright yellow pods are easy to spot for harvesting and add vibrant color to garden beds.
Pole Lima Speckled Christmas
A stunning heirloom lima bean that lives up to its festive name with cream-colored beans decorated in burgundy speckles that resemble holiday ornaments. This vigorous pole variety climbs 8-10 feet and produces abundant large, flat pods filled with buttery, flavorful lima beans. The combination of exceptional taste, beautiful appearance, and reliable production makes this a standout variety for gardeners seeking something special.
Provider
Provider can be planted earlier than other beans because it tolerates cool soils. Compact plants are easy to grow and adaptable to diverse soil and climate conditions. Produces 5 1/2" fleshy, round pod green beans. Purple seeds. Bush bean.
Purple Podded Bush Bean
A stunning heirloom variety that produces vibrant purple pods that turn green when cooked, making it both ornamental and delicious in the garden. These eye-catching plants are incredibly easy to harvest since the colorful pods stand out dramatically against the green foliage. Beyond their beauty, these beans offer excellent flavor and are perfect for gardeners who want something unique and conversation-worthy.
Purple Podded Pole Bean
An eye-catching heirloom climbing bean that produces abundant clusters of deep purple pods on vigorous 8-foot vines. The stunning purple pods make this variety a garden showstopper while providing excellent eating quality and productivity. This dual-purpose beauty serves as both an edible crop and an attractive garden accent that climbs any support structure.
Purple Top Bush Bean
A stunning heirloom variety that produces beautiful purple-streaked pods on compact bush plants, adding both color and flavor to the garden. The tender young pods are excellent fresh, while mature beans can be dried for winter storage, making this a true dual-purpose variety that's been treasured by gardeners for generations.
Purple Top Turnip Bean
A stunning heirloom pole bean that produces beautiful purple-streaked pods that transform to green when cooked. This vigorous climber not only provides an abundant harvest but also adds ornamental value to the garden with its attractive purple-tinged foliage and colorful pods. The tender, flavorful beans have been cherished by gardeners for generations and offer both visual appeal and exceptional taste.
Rattlesnake Pole Bean
A striking heirloom pole bean featuring distinctive purple streaks and mottled patterns that resemble rattlesnake markings, making it as ornamental as it is productive. This heat-tolerant Southern favorite produces abundant harvests of tender, flavorful pods throughout the summer, even in challenging growing conditions. The vigorous vines not only provide delicious beans but also create an eye-catching display in the garden with their unique coloration.
Red Noodle
16-20" long beans are borne in clusters of up to four beans each. Healthy, vigorous plants. Sweet flavor. Burgundy color will fade when cooked. Red seeds. Pole bean; requires trellising.
Red Noodle Long Bean
An eye-catching Asian variety that produces incredibly long, burgundy-red pods that can reach up to 24 inches in length while maintaining tenderness and flavor. This vigorous climbing bean is not only productive but adds dramatic color and height to the garden with its striking appearance. Popular in Asian cuisine, these beans are tender when young and maintain their beautiful color when lightly cooked.
Rocdor
Rocdor has straight, 6 1/2" long, slender pods that have a deep-yellow color. Early and productive on upright plants. The black seeds germinate well in cool soil. Bush bean.
Romano Italian Bush Bean
A classic Italian heirloom prized by chefs and home gardeners for its exceptionally wide, flat pods and rich, intense flavor. These meaty beans have a distinctly different taste and texture from regular green beans, with a more substantial bite and earthy flavor that holds up beautifully to cooking. Popular in Mediterranean cuisine, Romano beans are perfect for gardeners who want something special beyond ordinary green beans.
Scarlet Runner Bean
Scarlet flowers against green, heart-shaped foliage. Rapid climbers. Beans are edible and delicious when young. Keep pods picked for continuous bloom. May simply be called scarlet runner. A hummingbird favorite. Edible Flowers: The flowers offer a mild and sweet flavor. Use them to garnish or in salads, soups, and desserts.
Tavera
Sets the standard for uniformity and eating quality in a filet bean. "Extra-fine" grade beans are short, 4-5" long with medium-dark green, round pods. Medium-size plants. White seeds. Bush bean.
Tendergreen Bush Bean
A time-tested heirloom that has been delighting gardeners since 1925 with its exceptional tenderness and flavor. These medium-green, stringless pods are incredibly productive and maintain their quality even when picked large. Known for its reliability and adaptability, Tendergreen is the perfect choice for beginning gardeners seeking a foolproof, delicious bean variety.
Tohya
Plump pale green pods avg. 3 seeds per pod. Excellent eating quality. Compact plants avg. 2' and have a concentrated set, which allows for hand or machine harvest. For retail sales, harvest whole plants and strip the leaves, leaving the pods on the stalks. Determinate. White pubescence. Bush bean.
Topcrop Bush Bean
A classic All-America Selections winner from 1950 that remains one of the most reliable bush beans for home gardeners. This prolific variety produces straight, stringless pods with excellent flavor and texture. Known for its concentrated harvest period and exceptional disease resistance, making it perfect for both fresh eating and preserving.
Velour
"Extra-fine" grade beans are 4-5" long with straight, slender, bright purple pods. Turns green upon cooking. Medium-size upright plants yield well. Small, light brown seeds. Bush bean.
Vermont Cranberry Bush Bean
A beloved New England heirloom that's been grown in Vermont gardens since the 1700s, featuring beautiful burgundy-red beans that resemble cranberries when dried. This compact bush variety is perfectly adapted to shorter growing seasons and produces reliable yields of flavorful beans that have sustained New England families for centuries. The rich color and exceptional flavor make it a favorite for traditional baked bean recipes and modern farm-to-table cuisine.
Vroma
Vroma produces large, 6 1/2-7" pods with 4-5 large seeds. Cook like a shell bean when the seeds are pale green. Strong, heat tolerant plants resist lodging. Light brown seeds. Bush bean.
Yard Long Bean
An exotic Asian climbing bean that produces dramatically long, slender pods up to 3 feet in length, creating a stunning conversation piece in any garden. Also known as Chinese long beans or asparagus beans, these vigorous vines are heat-loving and incredibly productive in warm climates. The tender young pods have a unique flavor that's nuttier and more complex than regular green beans, making them prized in Asian cuisine.
Why These Beans & Legumes Work for Heirloom
Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated cultivars passed down for generations — prized for complex flavor, storied history, and seed-saving potential. These varieties let you save seeds and grow the same crop next year.