Ideal Market Bean

Seed Count: Approx. 15 Seeds 

Days to Maturity: 65-70 days

Pole variety, Snap Bean

Description:  The Ideal Market bean is exactly as its name states; it is the ideal bean.  This old heirloom, dating back to the early 1900s, produces absolutely flawless, bright green, stringless bean pods.  This early producing variety makes 5-6 inch pods on 6 ft. tall vines.  It has exquisite taste, and a fine, crisp texture.  It is perfect for eating fresh, cooking, canning, and freezing.  It is a heavy yielding, super easy to grow, perfect green bean variety that should be in any beginner garden.

How To Grow

Sowing:  Beans thrive in heat and humidity.  They should be direct sown when the weather is fairly warm, and the soil temp. reaches at least 75 degrees F. Plant in average soil. Too much fertilizer will burn your bean plants.; these beans like full sun. Plant the seeds 1" deep and 3" apart, later thinning to 6-8" apart. Keep the ground moist until germination, which should occur within 7-10 days.

Growing:  Beans need to be trained on a trellis of at least 7' to support its vigorous vining habits. Protection may be needed, if cold weather threatens. Since dry weather stunts the growth of the pods, water the plants when the soil completely dries out, but do not keep them swamped with water. Watch out for aphids and mites, which can be a big problem with this bean. Plant with marigolds, corn, potatoes, and eggplants.  However, avoid growing near all members of the allium family, and sunflowers.

Harvesting:  Pick the beans for fresh eating, and check the vines often.  Fresh beans are best used immediately, but will keep in the fridge for several days. This variety is great for processing and can be canned or frozen to preserve your harvest.  To save seeds, allow the pods to mature fully and dry on the vine. If frost or rainy weather threatens before your beans are dry, pull the plants and allow them to dry indoors. They should be completely dry 10-15 days later. Remove the seeds from the pods by hand, and store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 3 years.