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Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris 'Detroit Dark Red'

Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean

Detroit Dark Red Bush Bean is a heirloom bean variety (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Detroit Dark Red'). Harvest begins around day 57-60; seed germinates in 8-12 days. Set plants 4-6 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-6.8, zones 2-11, full sun (6+ hours). It will crop in a container.

Beans
57-60days to harvest
8-12days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil temperature is at least 60°F. Plant 1-2 inches deep.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
4-6 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep burgundy-red pods (turn green when cooked)
Size
5-6 inch pods
Shape
Straight, slender, round pods
Flavour
Tender, sweet, and flavorful with classic green bean taste

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, steaming, sautéing, pickling. Excellent for colorful garden displays and farmers markets.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Mexican bean beetles, aphids, thrips, leafhoppers
Diseases
Anthracnose, bacterial blight, rust, powdery mildew
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common bean diseases

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.

MarigoldRepels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting beans
CarrotsLoosens soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
RadishesBreaks up compacted soil and deters bean beetles
LettuceShallow roots don't compete with beans, benefits from bean's nitrogen fixation
SpinachCool-season crop that utilizes nitrogen fixed by beans
CucumberBeans provide nitrogen while cucumbers use different soil nutrients
Summer SavoryRepels bean beetles and may improve bean flavor and growth

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation by root bacteria
GarlicAllelopathic compounds can stunt bean growth and reduce yields
SunflowersCompete heavily for nutrients and water, can shade out bush beans

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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