Calypso Bean (Bush)

Calypso, also known as Orca or Yin Yang bean, is an eye-catching heirloom bush bean prized for its striking black-and-white pattern that resembles an orca whale. The compact, bushy plants mature in about 70 to 90 days, producing abundant pods filled with small, round beans known for their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor.

At a glance

• Variety: Calypso Bean (bush), also called Orca or Yin Yang
• Type: Heirloom, non-GMO dry bean
• Plant habit: Compact bush
• Days to maturity: 70 to 90 days
• Beans: Small, round, black-and-white
• Sun: Full sun

Best for

• Soups and stews
• Salads
• Dry bean storage
• Compact gardens
• Eye-catching heirloom collections

How to grow

Direct sow in full sun after the last frost once soil has warmed. The compact bush habit needs no trellis. Let the pods dry on the plant for storage beans, then shell once fully mature.

Flavor profile

Creamy and mild with a gentle, nutty taste, excellent in soups, stews, and salads.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based family seed company offering affordable heirloom and non-GMO seeds, with a mission to make home gardening accessible to everyone.