Landreth Stringless Bush Bean

A historic variety that stands up to the test of time! Reliable, productive, fast-growing bush bean produces 5" green beans without stringy parts. Delicious meaty flavor in a hearty bean that is great for canning and freezing. This old heirloom variety was first offered by David Landreth & Sons in 1885. David Landreth was an Englishman from near the Scottish boarder who moved his nascent seed company from Canada to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1784. His first building was on the spot of what is now 1210 Market Street in Center City, and he and David Landreth Jr. were among the founders of the still-important Pennsylvania Horticultural Center. Other Landreth varieties that have become important heirlooms include Green Glaze Collards, Jackson Wonder Bush Limas, and Bloomsdale Spinach. This heirloom bean is part of the Roughwood Seed Collection of William Woys Weaver.

Days to maturity: 55

Seeds per pack: 40

Germination rate: 92% on 12/20/2023

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 one inch, spaced every few inches in rows twelve inches apart. Thin to one plant every eight to twelve inches.

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.

Photo used with permission from Dickinson Farm, National City, California.

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