Malawi Green Bean

Also known as Malachite Beans, this 6 foot tall East African pole bean makes crisp tan pods with 5-6 beautiful dry beans that shine like a polished malachite stone (some more blueish, some more olive). In his book Heirloom Vegetable Gardening, Dr. William Woys Weaver notes that this variety was developed at the Royal Agricultural Academy in Hohenheim, Germany and found its way to German Colonies in Africa in the 1800s. Throughout East African highlands and beyond, farmers steward a particularly large diversity of common beans, which were first domesticated in Mesoamerica and the Andes, and which they have adapted to their places and tastes. This one is particularly beautiful! 

Days to maturity: 60

Seeds per pack: 40

Germination rate: 97% on 11/15/2024

Planting / harvesting notes

Plant in warm soil at least a couple weeks after the last danger of frost has passed. Sow directly in the ground at a depth of up to 1 inch, spaced every few inches, one row per bed. Provide a sturdy trellis as the vines can grow six to eight feet tall. Needs ample sun and good airflow.

Seed keeping notes

Beans are self-pollinating, though it is best to isolate different varieties of P. vulgaris by at least 25 feet (we do 75 feet to be sure) to avoid unwanted cross-pollination from flying insects. For seed saving, harvest the beans when their shells have become dried and crispy on the plants. Lay out the pods in a dry, sunny place to dry down further. Shell the beans and lay out the seeds in a well ventilated place away from direct sunlight for at least another few days to a week before storing for next year.

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