BEAN Seeds, Black Midnight Bush

'Black Midnight' Bush Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an heirloom, open-pollinated bush bean producing striking dark-black beans with a rich, earthy flavor. Compact and high-yielding, it suits raised beds and containers, and the beans can be eaten fresh or dried for storage.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated bush bean
• Days to maturity: 55 to 60 days
• Sun: Full sun (6 to 8 hours)
• Soil: Well-drained, organic-rich, loamy, slightly acidic to neutral
• Planting depth: 1 inch
• Spacing: 2 to 4 inches apart, rows 18 to 24 inches

Best for

• Soups, stews, and chili
• Salads and side dishes
• Fresh eating or dried storage
• Raised beds and container gardens

How to grow

Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist, watering deeply once or twice a week during flowering and pod set. Harvest at 55 to 60 days while pods are full and firm, or leave them to dry on the plant for storage beans.

Flavor profile

Deep, earthy, and hearty. Young pods are crisp and tender, while mature dried beans hold a rich flavor well in long-cooked dishes.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms is a seed company devoted to heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, giving home gardeners dependable seeds with the character and heritage of generations past.