Blue Shackamaxon Bean

Limited quantities! Please limit to two packets per customer so more can enjoy and preserve this important bean. We will refund any packets purchased over the limit.

Striking deep purple dry beans. According to William Woys Weaver in his recently re-released Heirloom Vegetable Gardening, Blue Shackamaxon Pole Bean is named for a Lenape meeting and fishing place along the Delaware river, which is now known as the Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond neighborhoods of Philadelphia. It is said to be a pre-1800 Lenape pole bean that was preserved by Quaker farmers in the area - and is said to have been cooked in black mush - a polenta made with blue or black cornmeal.

To honor and support the work of generations of indigenous North American seed keepers and plant breeders, a portion of sales from this seed will be shared with indigenous seed sovereignty projects. More details soon.

Days to maturity: 80

Seeds per pack: 35

Germination rate: 82% on 11/07/2022

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.

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