{"product_id":"dark-red-kidney-bean-heirloom-seeds","title":"Dark Red Kidney Bean Heirloom Seeds","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDark Red Kidney Bean (\u003cem\u003ePhaseolus vulgaris\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the most iconic American heirloom legumes, with roots tracing back centuries to Indigenous agricultural traditions across the Americas. Named for their distinctive kidney shape and deep mahogany-red color, these beans became a cornerstone of American cooking — from New Orleans red beans and rice to classic chili and hearty stews. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, Dark Red Kidney Beans are a reliable, nourishing staple that any home gardener can grow and save year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 85–100 days (dry bean)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePod Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–6 inches, containing 4–6 seeds per pod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor\/Appearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep mahogany-red skin, cream-white interior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact bush habit, 18–24 inches tall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bush bean (determinate)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRich, earthy, and mildly nutty with a dense, meaty texture. Holds its shape well through long cooking — ideal for chili, soups, stews, and bean salads. Mild enough to absorb bold seasonings while adding substantial body to any dish. Dried beans have a deeper, more complex flavor than canned.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Type \u0026amp; Harvest Yields\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDark Red Kidney Beans grow as compact, determinate bush plants that don't require staking or trellising. Under normal conditions expect 50–75 pods per plant; in optimal conditions with rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, plants can produce prolifically. Best grown for dry beans — allow pods to fully dry on the plant before harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood resistance to bean mosaic virus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerate resistance to common bacterial blight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSusceptible to white mold in wet, humid conditions — ensure good airflow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid overhead watering to reduce fungal disease pressure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRotate bean plantings every 2–3 years to prevent soil-borne diseases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips \u0026amp; Planting Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–6 inches between plants; rows 18–24 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSow Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1–1.5 inches deep\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7–14 days at 60–85°F soil temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSun Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun — minimum 6–8 hours daily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic (pH 6.0–6.8); avoid heavy clay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Consistent moisture during flowering and pod fill; reduce as pods mature for dry bean harvest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow only — beans do not transplant well; do not plant until soil is at least 60°F; inoculate seeds with rhizobium inoculant for best nitrogen fixation and yields\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhen to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDirect sow after your last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Beans are warm-season crops and will not germinate in cold soil. Not sure of your zone? \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\"\u003eCheck the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompanion Plants \u0026amp; Mutual Benefits\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCorn\u003c\/strong\u003e — provides light shade and a natural trellis; classic Three Sisters pairing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSquash\u003c\/strong\u003e — ground cover suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarrots\u003c\/strong\u003e — loosens soil, improving drainage around bean roots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarigolds\u003c\/strong\u003e — deters bean beetles and aphids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRosemary\u003c\/strong\u003e — repels bean beetles when planted nearby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid planting near: onions, garlic, and fennel (inhibit bean growth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Enjoy\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoak overnight and simmer low and slow for the richest flavor. Essential in chili con carne, red beans and rice, minestrone, and bean soups. Toss cold cooked beans into salads with fresh herbs and vinaigrette. Mash into refried beans or blend into dips. Store dried beans for up to a year in a cool, dark pantry — a true homestead staple.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love Dark Red Kidney Beans\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIconic flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e — the foundation of American chili and Creole cooking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact bush habit\u003c\/strong\u003e — no staking needed, perfect for raised beds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein powerhouse\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the most nutritious crops you can grow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong shelf life\u003c\/strong\u003e — dried beans store for 1–2 years under proper conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrogen fixer\u003c\/strong\u003e — improves soil health for the next crop in rotation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saving made easy\u003c\/strong\u003e — open-pollinated and prolific; save your best pods each season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHarvest Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow pods to turn tan\/papery and rattle when shaken; harvest before heavy rains split pods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow to cut\/handle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pull entire plants and hang upside down in a dry, airy space to finish drying if needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCuring \u0026amp; storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shell beans once fully dry; store in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark location; check for moisture before sealing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSeed Saving\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAllow a portion of your healthiest plants to fully mature and dry on the vine. Shell beans once pods are completely papery and dry. Store seeds in a labeled airtight container in a cool, dark location. Dark Red Kidney Bean seeds remain viable for 3–5 years under proper conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrder Today\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant the bean that built American comfort food. Order your Dark Red Kidney Bean seeds today and grow a pantry staple straight from your own backyard.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Garden Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Starter Pack of 10 seeds","offer_id":53980541255994,"sku":null,"price":0.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Garden Pack of 25 seeds - 🌱 Best Value","offer_id":53980541288762,"sku":null,"price":2.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1003\/7850\/9626\/files\/image_13fb38dd-3e5b-49eb-a0f2-9b22d9ae8630.png?v=1788189116","url":"https:\/\/gardenheirloomseeds.com\/products\/dark-red-kidney-bean-heirloom-seeds","provider":"Garden Heirloom Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}