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Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris 'Cherokee Pink'

Cherokee Pink Bean

Cherokee Pink Bean is a heirloom bean variety (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Cherokee Pink'). Harvest begins around day 90-95; seed germinates in 8-12 days. Set plants 4-6 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 6.2-7.0, zones 2-11, full sun (6+ hours). It will crop in a container.

Beans
90-95days to harvest
8-12days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow 2 weeks after last frost when soil is warm. Plant 1-2 inches deep in rows.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent but not excessive
Soil
Well-drained loam with moderate fertility
Soil pH
6.2-7.0
Spacing
4-6 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Pink and burgundy mottled pattern
Size
Medium oval, 0.4 inches long
Shape
Oval to kidney-shaped
Flavour
Mild, nutty flavor with creamy texture when cooked

In the kitchen

Traditional Native American dishes, soups, stews, and as a colorful addition to three-bean salads.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Bean weevil, Mexican bean beetle, cucumber beetle
Diseases
Common bacterial blight, rust, mosaic virus
Resistance
Natural disease tolerance typical of native varieties

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulySeptember – October
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
6——May – JuneSeptember – October
7——April – JuneAugust – October
8——April – MayAugust – September
9——March – AprilJuly – August
10——February – AprilJune – August
11——January – MarchMay – July
12——January – MarchMay – July
13——January – MarchMay – July

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 4 to avoid.

CornProvides natural support structure for climbing beans, part of Three Sisters planting
SquashLarge leaves provide ground cover and moisture retention, completes Three Sisters guild
MarigoldsRepel Mexican bean beetles, aphids, and other bean pests with strong scent
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attract beneficial predatory insects
CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with beans, beans' nitrogen fixation benefits carrot growth
RadishesBreak up soil for bean roots, mature quickly before beans need full space
CatnipRepels flea beetles, ants, and other insects that damage bean plants
Summer SavoryDeters bean weevils and Mexican bean beetles, may improve bean flavor

Avoid

OnionsInhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root exudates
GarlicStunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial rhizobia bacteria
FennelInhibits growth of beans through allelopathic compounds released from roots
KohlrabiCompetes heavily for nutrients and may stunt bean development

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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Similar varieties

Other beans with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Cherokee Pink Bean suits these too.

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