Where to Buy Speckled Butter Bean Seeds – A Complete Guide

Speckled butter beans, also known as Dixie speckled butter peas, are a delicious and visually striking variety of lima bean. Their cream-colored shells are splashed with unique maroon speckles and swirls. These heirloom beans have a wonderfully sweet and tender flavor when fresh, and their rich, meaty texture makes them perfect for baking when dried. If you want to grow these beautiful beans yourself, you may be wondering – where can I buy speckled butter bean seeds?

A Brief Overview of Speckled Butter Beans

Before diving into the best sources for speckled butter bean seeds, let’s take a quick look at some key facts about this bean variety:

• Botanical name – Phaseolus lunatus
• Plant type – Bush
• Days to maturity – 80-90 days
• Ideal growing conditions – Warm weather, sets well even in heat and drought
• Plant height – Around 21 inches
• Yield – High yields of pods containing 3-5 beans each

Speckled butter beans grow well in both home gardens and commercial production Their relatively short growing season, drought tolerance, and heavy yields make them a favorite for many growers.

Now that you know a bit about these beans let’s look at where you can buy seeds to grow your own.

Purchase Speckled Butter Bean Seeds from Specialty Seed Companies

One of the best sources for locating speckled butter bean seeds is through companies that specialize in selling heirloom and open-pollinated seeds. Here are some top online specialty seed shops to consider

Mary’s Heirloom Seeds

Mary’s Heirloom Seeds offers a packet of 25 Dixie speckled butter bean seeds for $2.50. This family-owned seed company has a wide selection of heirloom vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. Their seeds are non-GMO, organic, and open-pollinated. Mary’s has an informative website with planting guides, growing tips, and seed saving instructions. Their customer service is top-notch.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, also called Rare Seeds, carries an heirloom speckled butter bean variety called Speckled Java. A packet of 30 seeds costs $3.25. This company offers one of the largest selections of heirloom seeds in the USA, with over 1800 varieties of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Their catalog is free, and they have a very informative website.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange provides organic, heirloom seeds, including a speckled butter bean variety called Speckled Santa Claus. A packet of 30+ seeds costs $3.95. This employee-owned cooperative offersdetailed growing information and focuses on varieties that perform well in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern US.

Seed Savers Exchange

Seed Savers Exchange has hundreds of heirloom bean varieties, including a few speckled lima types like Speckled Saddle. They sell packets starting at $3.25 for 25 seeds. As a non-profit seed saving organization, they are dedicated to conserving heirloom seeds and educating others. Joining as a member provides discounts.

Check with Local Farmers and Seed Swaps

In addition to online seed companies, connecting with local farmers and gardeners may reveal sources of speckled butter bean seeds. Some small-scale family farms maintain their own heirloom seed stock. Attending seed swap events in your community can also be a great way to obtain seeds at no cost by trading with other gardeners.

What to Look for When Ordering Seeds Online

If purchasing speckled butter bean seeds through a website, here are some tips for finding reputable sources:

• Check customer reviews and feedback about the company.
• Look for detailed information on their seed varieties – origin stories, growing guides, etc.
• See if they have guarantees on germination rates or offer refunds/replacements.
• Look for certifications like “organic” and “non-GMO” if desired.
• See if they have customer service contacts for any questions.
• Check shipping costs and delivery time estimates.

Choosing vendors carefully helps ensure you get high-quality, viable seeds delivered on time and with all the right information for success.

How Much to Buy for Home Gardening

Most seed companies sell speckled butter bean seeds in packets or bundles containing 20-50 seeds. For a small home garden, one packet is usually sufficient. Each healthy bean plant will produce multiple pods containing 4-6 seeds each. Expect germination rates around 80%, so plan for about 20-40 plants from a packet.

However, beans are prone to being nibbled by rabbits, deer, insects, and birds. It can be wise to purchase two seed packets if possible in case you need to replant. Storing extra seeds properly allows them to remain viable for planting the following year.

Tips for Successfully Growing Speckled Butter Beans

Once you’ve obtained some high-quality speckled bean seeds, follow these tips to help ensure a bountiful harvest:

• Plant after all danger of frost has passed. Bean seeds rot in cold, wet soil.

• Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart.

• Beans need warm soil to sprout well – at least 65°F is recommended.

• Water gently and avoid disturbing sprouts and seedlings.

• Once plants are established, avoid touching while wet to prevent spreading disease.

• Use trellises or cages to support the vining plants once they begin climbing.

• Harvest shell beans when plump inside pods, for fresh eating.

• Leave bean pods on plants until fully mature and dry for baking beans (90+ days).

With proper care and favorable growing conditions, those speckled bean seeds you purchased will reward you with mountains of the sweetest, meatiest lima beans you’ve ever tasted!

From specialty seed companies like Mary’s Heirloom Seeds to local seed swaps, there are many options for obtaining prized speckled butter bean seeds. Seek out heirloom varieties from reputable suppliers, purchase fresh seed stock each season, follow sound growing practices, and with time you’ll master how to harvest huge yields of these beautiful and delicious beans. Happy gardening!