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Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris 'Cherokee Purple Pod'

Cherokee Purple Pod Bean

Cherokee Purple Pod Bean is a heirloom bean. Germination takes 7-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 65-70. Skin runs to deep purple pods that cook to green, purple-streaked seeds. Water need is 1 inch per week, consistent moisture throughout growing season. Suits zones 2-11. It will crop in a container.

Beans
65-70days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after all frost danger and soil reaches 60°F. Plant 1-2 inches deep. Provide strong pole or trellis support for climbing vines.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture throughout growing season
Soil
Well-drained garden soil with moderate fertility
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
6-8 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep purple pods that cook to green, purple-streaked seeds
Size
5-6 inches long, standard width
Shape
Straight to slightly curved standard green bean shape
Flavour
Traditional green bean flavor, tender and mild with good texture

In the kitchen

Fresh eating as snap beans, pods turn green when cooked. Excellent steamed, sautéed, or in stir-fries. Seeds can be dried for winter use.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Mexican bean beetle, bean leaf beetle, aphids
Diseases
Bacterial blight, anthracnose, common bean mosaic virus
Resistance
Standard heirloom disease resistance, generally hardy

Planting calendar by USDA zone

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

Companion planting

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

CornProvides natural trellis for climbing beans while beans fix nitrogen for corn
SquashCompletes the Three Sisters planting, ground cover reduces weeds and retains moisture
CarrotsBeans loosen soil for carrot growth while carrots don't compete for nutrients
RadishesBreak up soil for bean roots and mature quickly before beans need full space
MarigoldsRepel Mexican bean beetles and other harmful insects
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
CatnipDeters flea beetles and ants that can damage bean plants
Summer SavoryRepels bean beetles and may improve bean flavor when grown nearby

Avoid

OnionsInhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
GarlicStunts bean growth and interferes with beneficial soil bacteria
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit 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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