skip to main content

Beans, Peas & Legumes

Can you identify these Beans?

5 years ago

When my father-in-law passed away about 10 years ago, my husband inherited his tools. In the bottom of one of the tool boxes was a small plastic container holding these three beans. I've wanted to plant them for years, but I never seemed able to find where I'd put them when planting time came around. THIS YEAR, I found them just in time to plant them here in Western Washington. I know they're quite old, so am interested in any advice on how to grow them! I'd hate to do something wrong and kill them (if they'll even spout as old as they are.) Should I sprout them in wet paper towels before planting in soil, soak them in water overnight, nick the seeds, or plant them as is? ANY advice would be wonderful! I have NO IDEA what kind of beans they are, so if you can identify them I'd be delighted. We're calling them Great Pa's Magic Beans for now! THANKS!!! Here's a pic:

Featured Answer

organizedsarah
Original Author

5 years ago

I only have those three beans, so not much opportunity to save back any, though Jack and the Beanstalk had only five and had quite an adventure. I like to imagine his mother as a young bride carrying them with her when she came out west in a covered wagon. But then I tend to personify objects and I imagine those beans shivering in fear when the wagon was come upon by "bad guys" looking to help themselves. I've heard hubby's great grandma's trip out west stories for 50 years, so these beans have triggered my imagination as well as my desire to bring them to life in my garden

. I know...goofy, huh?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Macmex
5 years ago
Boy! I love this kind of adventure. I is hard to identify old beans, especially just from the seed. Someone might show up and know. Otherwise, we will pray that they grow and produce pods. That would make it a lot easier.

It's also possible that Grandpa's Magic Beans are unique to him and his family or friends. Some people have a strong seed saving tradition,especially among certain immigrant groups and people with Appalachian roots.

Keep us informed!

By the way, did you save back any seed? If so, look for the thread here which tells how to revive old, weak seed. That may be necessary.

George
0
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
5 years ago
I'd say it's impossible to identify these even if it was fresh seed, so many look alike. Here's the thread you might want to read.

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2004799/need-ideas-to-germinate-old-old-beans?n=30

If you only have 3 seeds try germinating 2 and maybe keep the third as a memento. If you luck out and get them to grow come back with their growing habit, bush or pole, picture of pods and picture of fresh seed if possible and maybe just maybe we will be able to give a variety or two to compare with, good luck.

Annette
0
Related Discussions
Help Identify - Flowering Tree - Bean Seedpod
Q
Comments (2)
Chris, Thank You. I looked up Moringa Oleifera, and I think you are right. It looks like it in every way. I have a older copy of the Sunset New Western Garden Book and it's not listed in there. Thank you so much. Drew
...See More
Pressure canning beans: beans sit above the liquid after canning
Q
Comments (2)
Safe? Yes, assuming all the jars sealed well and were processed properly. Which rehydrating process did you use? The results differ. The overnight soak means the beans will absorb less when canned. Normal? Not really as it can be avoided with practice and gives better results since the beans will be liquid covered and won't darken with time so less waste. Some of the liquid loss is due to siphoning and some from over-filling the jars. Siphoning is a heat control issue - avoiding fluctuations in the heat and pressure - and that takes practice. The rest is resolved by only filling the jar about 3/4 full - just below the jar shoulders - of rehydrated beans and the rest with liquid. That way they still absorb some but leave enough to still cover the beans. It also varies with the type and size of bean. Dave
...See More
Can someone identify these beans?
Q
Comments (4)
Ditto on the beans on the right most likely being the pole bean "Rose". The seeds are fairly distinctive, although I have seen a couple varieties that were similar."Rose" is good as either snap or shelly, but has a fairly late DTM. (I was just barely able to save some dry seed here before frost.) The bean on the left is harder to identify, there are many beans with similar coloration. It looks like a Borlotto. Chances are that it will be a good shell bean, but I couldn't even guess whether it would be a bush or pole.
...See More
Identifying Leaf Problem on Bush Beans
Q
Comments (3)
I've gone out there at night with a flashlight and scoured the plants, but didn't see anything. Could it be really tiny insects doing the damage, or is it usually something larger that would be easily visible to the naked eye. Also, I don't see the photo when I click on my thread. Are you all able to see the photo that I attached?
...See More
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
5 years ago
No not goofy, have my fingers crossed for you.

Annette
Macmex
5 years ago
That's all wonderful family lore. I sure hope you get a plant or two!
zeedman Zone 5 Wisconsin
5 years ago
The seeds are obviously old, and bean ID is difficult even with new seed... but the markings & apparent dark purple suggest scarlet runner beans.

Given the age & how the beans were stored, chances are they are dead or close to it. The methods mentioned in Annette's link would be the best hope for germinating them.
Macmex
5 years ago
Sarah, did you or your husband ever see your father-in-law's beans when they were growing? Did they have red flowers?
0

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Identify and Fix Plumbing Issues

By Mitchell Parker

Whether minor drips or major leaks, when water starts flowing, it’s time to call in a pro

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: How to Identify Two Common Woodpeckers

By Habitat Network

Downy and hairy woodpeckers have similar coloration and behavior. But there are two big differences that separate them

Bean Bags: A Surprising Answer for Chic Comfort

By Shawn Gauthier

Sink into a new generation of squishy, go-anywhere seating

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Fire-Wise Landscapes Can Help Keep Your Home and Property Safe

By Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Choose fire-resistant plants and materials and create defensible areas using these design strategies

SUMMER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Summer Crops: How to Grow Beans

By Marianne Lipanovich

Grow your own beans for amazing variety and healthy, convenient produce all summer

DECORATING GUIDES Capture the Eye: How to Identify and Work With Focal Points

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Arm yourself with design tools to figure out and execute a fantastic focus in any room

DECORATING GUIDES Bean There, Done That: Coffee Table Alternatives

By Grace Chamia

Get creative with these ideas for salvaged and DIY pieces that will get people talking

OUTBUILDINGS 12 Fun Backyard Forts Grown-Ups Can Love, Too

By Becky Harris

Kids might use them for secret meetings, but the word is out on these tree houses and playhouses that consider adult design tastes

ORGANIZING You Can Do It: 6 Steps to Organizing Your Loose Photos

By CEO/Founder The Photo Managers

Are your old pictures stuck in dusty boxes? Here’s how to get them in order — and ready to tell your family’s story

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

Sponsored

Fresh Pointe Studio

4 Reviews

Industry Leading Interior Designers & Decorators | Delaware County, OH