Phaseolus lunatus

An heirloom variety grown by Wick Smith of Sandyville, West Virginia, since the 1930's, and subsequently passed down to his grandson H. Lee Thomas of Ravenswood, who grew the variety out from 1960. H. Lee Thomas and his wife, Helen, generously donated the variety to the SSE in 2004.

This semi-pole bean is a vigorous grower, producing dark green, slightly curved pods that can be used as green Shelly beans or dry beans. For the sweetest, most tender Shelly beans, pick the pods as soon as they begin to plump up.  The dry beans range from white with maroon/purple speckles to solid maroon, and have a rich, nutty flavour when cooked.

Standard packet contains approx. 25 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 10 seeds

Using Beanflo-Rhizobium bacteria when planting your bean seed is the most cost effective way of putting nitrogen fixing bacteria into your soil, creating healthier soil for a more productive harvest.