October beans, also known as fall beans, are a beloved staple of traditional Appalachian agriculture These hardy, late-maturing bean varieties are designed to be sown in mid to late summer and harvested in fall While once widely grown, authentic October bean seeds can be hard to source today. This guide will explore where you can buy these treasured heirlooms to grow in your own garden.
What Makes October Beans Special?
October beans get their name from their ideal planting time in August or September and harvest timing in October before first frost They were traditionally sown after other crops were harvested
These beans possess a number of unique traits that made them perfect for the Appalachian region:
- Vigorous, vining growth to take advantage of fall rains
- Ability to mature in cooler temperatures
- Tolerance of light frosts to extend season
- Concentrated pod set and bean fill
- Exceptional rich, meaty bean flavor
In the past, October beans provided a vital protein source for winter eating. Beans were left to dry on vines and the nutrient-dense seeds stored for months.
Today, heirloom enthusiasts prize these beans for their history, performance, and unbeatable taste. But finding authentic regional varieties requires some searching.
Where to Source October Bean Seeds
Here are some of the best options for buying seeds of genuine October bean heirlooms:
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Specialty heirloom seed companies: Check companies like Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Sow True Seed, and others that focus on heirlooms.
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Regional seed suppliers: Look for small companies based in Appalachia like Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Center and Grayson Land Care.
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Seed swaps and exchanges: Connect with local seed saver networks and events to swap with other growers.
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Cottage businesses: Some Ohio families sell beloved fall bean varieties like Brown Dutch developed by their ancestors.
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Local farmers: Seek out small farms in Appalachia still growing heirloom October beans.
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Food co-ops or seed libraries: Join to access bean varieties from fellow members.
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Grow your own: Save seeds from healthy October bean plants to propagate more for free.
Checking companies spotlighting Appalachian seeds is your best bet for finding authentic, regional fall bean varieties.
What Varieties to Look For
Some of the most popular October bean varieties to search for include:
- Turkey Craw
- Brown Dutch
- Wren’s Egg
- Cornfield
- Fat Gap
- Greasy Cut-Short
- Logan Giant
- Ohio Pole
- White Hickory
- Marrowfat Brown
Seek out classic regional names like Turkey Craw and Fat Gap. Brown Dutch and Wren’s Egg are common. And don’t overlook selections like Cornfield or Ohio Pole.
Heirloom lines bred and handed down within families for generations often possess the best October bean traits.
How to Select Quality October Bean Seeds
To ensure the seeds you source will perform well, look for:
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Freshness: Choose newly harvested seeds packaged for the current year. Avoid old, leftover stock.
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Purity: Seek seeds without mixes or off-types unlike the variety description.
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Regional adaptation: Pick beans bred for generations in Appalachia.
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Good germination rates: Well-stored seeds should have 80% or better germination.
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Reputable seller: Buy from trusted companies dedicated to heirloom preservation.
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Organic or sustainably grown: Support growers using natural practices without chemicals.
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Fair pricing: Expect to pay $3 to $4 per ounce, slightly above regular beans.
Taking time to find high-quality, genuine seeds gives your treasured October bean crop the best start.
How Much to Buy for Planting
A typical planting rate for October beans is about 5-6 seeds per foot of row, with rows 2-3 feet apart. Planting just 25 feet of row requires 125 to 150 beans.
Seed packets are often sold in 1, 2, or 4 ounce sizes, which equals:
- 1 ounce: about 100-175 seeds
- 2 ounces: around 200-350 seeds
- 4 ounces: approximately 400-700 seeds
So purchasing 2 to 4 ounces will provide ample seeds for a small home garden patch. Those growing larger plots of 25 rows or more may want 1/2 pound or pound bags.
Remember, seeds can be saved at season’s end as long as you grow just one variety. Letting a few pods fully mature and dry on vines will provide free seeds for next year.
When to Order and Plant October Bean Seeds
To align planting with these beans’ late maturity, aim to:
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Order seeds: Late winter through mid spring.
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Pre-sprout seeds: Late July to early August.
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Transplant sprouts: Mid August to early September.
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Direct sow: Mid August through September.
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Harvest: September until heavy frosts.
Adjust timing as needed for your climate to take advantage of warm late-summer days and cooler fall nights.
Be sure to source fresh seeds each season for best results. Then enjoy your treasured October beans all autumn long!
How to Grow Strong October Bean Crops
Follow these tips to grow a thriving patch of October beans:
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Select a site with full sun exposure. Beans need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight.
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Prepare soil well with compost and nutrients to support vigorous vines.
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Install tall trellises, poles, or fencing for vines to climb.
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Water deeply once weekly if rainfall is lacking. Avoid wet foliage.
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Apply an organic fertilizer or manure once blooming starts.
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Monitor for bean beetles and other pests. Handpick or use organic sprays.
-Harvest promptly once pods fill out. Check plants daily after initial heavy frosts.
- Allow select pods to fully dry on plants for seed saving.
With the right care, your October beans will produce abundantly right up until winter’s arrival.
Enjoy an Heirloom Harvest
Growing cherished fall bean varieties sustains a crucial link to the past while providing an exceptionally tasty harvest. With seeds from trusted sources, your October beans are sure to thrive.
Soon you’ll be reaping beautiful hand-painted heirlooms and enjoying old-time richness in every tender bean. Savor the flavors of history!
More about Speckled Cranberry
Speckled Cranberry is an heirloom pole bean brought to the United States from England in the 1820s. Large, tan beans with cranberry swirls and speckles are produced heavily on healthy, pole-type plants. Immature pods are green with hot pink mottling foreshadowing a harvest of gorgeous shelling beans. Thin skins, velvety texture and a flavor that can pretty much stand on its own. To make it, just cook onion, garlic, and your favorite herbs in good olive oil. Then, add the soaked beans and deglaze the pan with water or stock. Adding just a touch of balsamic vinegar before serving adds a little punch without masking the other flavors. Approximately 85 to 95 days to harvest. Each packet contains a minim. More.
Speckled Cranberry is an heirloom pole bean brought to the United States from England in the 1820s. Large, tan beans with cranberry swirls and speckles are produced heavily on healthy, pole-type plants. Immature pods are green with hot pink mottling foreshadowing a harvest of gorgeous shelling beans. Thin skins, velvety texture and a flavor that can pretty much stand on its own. To make it, just cook onion, garlic, and your favorite herbs in good olive oil. Then, add the soaked beans and deglaze the pan with water or stock. Adding just a touch of balsamic vinegar before serving adds a little punch without masking the other flavors. Approximately 85 to 95 days to harvest. Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.
Speckled Cranberry is an heirloom pole bean brought to the United States from England in the 1820s. Large, tan beans with cranberry swirls and speckles are produced heavily on healthy, pole-type plants. Immature pods are green with hot pink mottling foreshadowing a harvest of gorgeous shelling beans. Thin skins, velvety texture and a flavor that can pretty much stand on its own. Just sauté onion, garlic, and your favorite herbs in a good olive oil, th. read more.
Speckled Cranberry is an heirloom pole bean brought to the United States from England in the 1820s. Large, tan beans with cranberry swirls and speckles are produced heavily on healthy, pole-type plants. Immature pods are green with hot pink mottling foreshadowing a harvest of gorgeous shelling beans. Thin skins, velvety texture and a flavor that can pretty much stand on its own. To make it, just cook onion, garlic, and your favorite herbs in good olive oil. Then, add the soaked beans and deglaze the pan with water or stock. Adding just a touch of balsamic vinegar before serving adds a little punch without masking the other flavors. Approximately 85 to 95 days to harvest. Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.
We care about what we put in your hands and in the soil. That’s why our seeds are never treated with neonicotinoids or any other chemicals. All of our plants are non-GMO and not hybrid, so you can save the seeds and grow them again next year.
Why October Beans are the Best
FAQ
Is there another name for October beans?
Are cranberry beans and October beans the same?
What month do you plant October beans?
What are the health benefits of October beans?
Are there still beans?
There are not as many now as there were at one time, but they can still be found in many families. A few are bush beans with tough hulls and used only as shelly or dry beans. However, the majority are climbing beans with tender hulls.
What do October bush beans look like?
October Bush Bean = Beans are semi-runner type in growth habit with fourteen to eighteen inch long runners.October bush beans are rounded and light-colored with purplish-red streaks, dots and blotches.Pods 5″ to 6″. An excellent dry bean for use in soups and chili,They are good early as a snap bean but generally used as green shell beans.
Can you grow October beans?
By following these tips, you can grow a healthy and bountiful crop of October beans. October beans are a delicious and nutritious crop that is easy to grow. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy fresh October beans all season long.
What do October beans taste like?
October beans have a mild, nutty flavor and a creamy texture, making them a popular choice for soups, stews, and salads. 1. Can I eat October beans raw? 2. Are October beans the same as cranberry beans? 3. How should I store October beans? 4. What dishes can I use October beans in? 5. Are October beans healthy? 6. Can I freeze October beans? 7.