Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean (Brown) Seeds - (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean  - Best Known Pole Bean since 1864

High yielding, extended season bean with a distinctive flavor and good firmness. Pods are fleshy 7-10 in. that grow in clusters with brown seeded beans. Plants grow 5-7 ft. tall with clusters of long almost stringless pods that are rumpled, rather than smooth. Pods up to 9 in. long are not uncommon, but the beans are still tender, with the well known distinctive, delicious flavor, making them first-rate beans.

Described by the USDA in 1907 as the best known and most widely grown pole bean in America, which is still true today. Introduced in 1864, Kentucky Wonder was also known as Old Homestead, Texas Pole, and Improved Kentucky Wonder. 

History

Originally cultivated in Central America, from Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The smaller beans are thought to have been cultivated in Mexico as long as 7,000 years ago, while the larger beans were cultivated in Peru starting 8,000 years ago. High in protein, easy to grow, dry and cook, they have sustained mankind for millennia.

Uses

Snap

Harvest Tip

For Snap Beans, wait until they are about pencil size, but harvest before the beans inside the pods become lumpy. Snap beans, are snapped, strings removed and eaten fresh or cooked.

For Fresh Shell Beans, let the seeds in the pods get good and fat. You shell/remove the green beans from the pod and they are eaten fresh or cooked.

For Dried Beans, let the pods get brown and dry on the plant. Pick them before they can split open and spread out to finish drying. Remove from dried pods and store. Dried beans are usually soaked and cooked.

Growing Tip

Pole beans need support to grow on, either poles, a trellis or fence.

Learn More

• A Short History of Beans
• Lemony Green Beans
• Young Green Beans with Dijon Vinaigrette

From the soil to the seed to the food you eat - we'll help you grow your best garden!