Skunk Bean

Black and white speckled dry beans from the Haudenosaunee and Abenaki nations of North Eastern North America. These tall, vigorous vines produce abundant beans in just 90 days. This variety is sometimes called Flagg or Chester for their more recent caretakers, but are more widely known as Skunk, which is Aní:tas in the Mohawk and Oneida languages.

Days to maturity: 90

Seeds per pack: 30

Germination rate: 98% on 12/26/2023

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 12 inches apart. Thin to one plant every six 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.