From Fermenting To Finance

And family! Life hacks I wish I knew sooner that might just help you.

I started growing this variant in 2017 from just a few seeds I was given at a local Ohio seed swap from a diehard seed collector.

It has been a prolific grower compared to other beans I’ve grown. From my research, this variety originated in Europe.

The bean plants also make a great photo backdrop!

The plants benefit from support to grow (like nearby sunflowers or a tall decorative fence like mine above). They have pole habit vines that can reach heights of 7 ft. At the end of the season they are loaded with large, delicious pods!

The ultimate use: This plant would work great in a playscape! Check out inspiration below for building a kid’s-sized fort or teepee out of nature like those at the Huntington Library’s Children’s Garden.

A volcano that spouts mist periodically as well!

Building magic in a personal community like this should be life goals, folks.

These seeds are hard to come by and are usually sold-out online. They grow best in full sun as an annual.

I believe this variety is meant to be harvested at the end of the season as a dry bean and cooked in soups or stews. I’ve read that others find them also good as a fresh bean. The taste is creamy, somewhat reminiscent of a chickpea.

The pods are green and purple streaked. The seeds are distinct and a joy to unhusk, with a light purple color and darker purple stripes!

Dried pod on top next to fresh pod below

If you’re wondering like I did the first time I laid eyes on them… unfortunately, when cooked, the beans do turn brown.

I have some for sale on my personal Facebook page if you’d like to grow some yourself!

Happy gardening and playing!

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