BEAN Seeds, Royalty Purple Bush

'Royalty Purple' Bush Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an heirloom, open-pollinated bush bean famed for its striking deep-purple pods that turn green when cooked. Compact and prolific, it needs no trellising and brings color to garden and plate alike.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris 'Royalty Purple'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated bush bean
• Days to maturity: 50 to 60 days
• Sun: Full sun (6 to 8 hours)
• Soil: Well-drained, organic-rich, slightly acidic to neutral
• Planting depth: 1 inch
• Spacing: 2 to 4 inches apart, rows 18 to 24 inches

Best for

• Fresh snap beans, steamed or sauteed
• Salads and side dishes
• Raised beds and containers
• Colorful kitchen gardens

How to grow

Direct sow after the last frost in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist through flowering and pod set, and mulch to retain moisture. Harvest at 50 to 60 days while pods are young, purple, and tender.

Flavor profile

Rich and nutty with a crisp, succulent snap. The purple pods turn deep green when cooked and stay tender and flavorful.

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.