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Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris 'Black Valentine'

Black Valentine Bush Bean

Black Valentine Bush Bean is a heirloom bean. Germination takes 7-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 50-60. Skin runs to dark green pods. Water need is 1 inch per week, drought tolerant once established. Suits zones 2-11. It will crop in a container.

Beans
50-60days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Very Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost date. Can tolerate light frost. Plant 1-2 inches deep.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, drought tolerant once established
Soil
Adaptable to most soil types, tolerates poor soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
4-6 inches
Season
Cool to warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green pods
Size
5-6 inch pods
Shape
Straight, round, slightly curved pods
Flavour
Classic green bean flavor, slightly more robust than modern varieties

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, steaming, boiling, canning, and freezing. Excellent for traditional green bean dishes.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Bean leaf beetles, aphids, cucumber beetles, flea beetles
Diseases
Rust, bacterial blight, bean common mosaic (generally resistant)
Resistance
Very good cold tolerance and general disease resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——July – AugustSeptember – August
2——June – AugustSeptember
3——June – JulyAugust – October
4——June – JulyAugust – October
5——May – JuneAugust – September
6——May – JuneJuly – September
7——April – JuneJuly – August
8——April – MayJune – August
9——March – AprilMay – July
10——February – AprilMay – June
11——January – MarchApril – May
12——January – MarchApril – May
13——January – MarchApril – May

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters bean beetles
CarrotsHelps loosen soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nitrogen
CornProvides natural support structure and benefits from nitrogen fixation
Summer SquashLarge leaves provide ground cover and moisture retention, part of Three Sisters planting
CucumberCompatible root systems and both benefit from similar growing conditions
RadishesQuick harvest doesn't compete long-term and helps break up soil
RosemaryRepels bean beetles and other pests with aromatic compounds
MarigoldRepels Mexican bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through allelopathic compounds
GarlicMay stunt bean growth and interfere with beneficial rhizobia bacteria
SunflowersAllelopathic effects can reduce bean germination and growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
1.97
Fat (g)
0.275
Carbohydrate (g)
7.41
Fibre (g)
3.01
Vitamin K (µg)
43.9
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.121
Calcium (mg)
40
Iron (mg)
0.652
Magnesium (mg)
28.2
Phosphorus (mg)
41.2
Potassium (mg)
290
Zinc (mg)
0.35
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the beans growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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