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Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris 'Purple Top'

Purple Top Turnip Bean

Purple Top Turnip Bean is a heirloom bean. Germination takes 7-12 days and fruit ripens from about day 65-75. Skin runs to purple-streaked pods with green undertones. Water need is 1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering preferred. Suits zones 2-11.

Beans
65-75days to harvest
7-12days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after last frost. Plant 1-2 inches deep. Provide tall supports or trellises.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering preferred
Soil
Rich, well-draining soil with good organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
6-8 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Purple-streaked pods with green undertones
Size
6-7 inches long
Shape
Flat, broad romano-type pods
Flavour
Rich, meaty flavor with tender texture when young

In the kitchen

Excellent fresh, steamed, sautéed, or in Mediterranean dishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Bean beetles, aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites
Diseases
Bacterial blight, rust, anthracnose, mosaic virus
Resistance
Moderate disease resistance typical of heirloom varieties

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, 4 to avoid.

MarigoldRepels bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
CarrotsHelp loosen soil for bean roots and don't compete for nutrients
CornProvides natural support structure for climbing beans and benefits from nitrogen fixation
SquashGround cover reduces weeds and retains soil moisture, part of Three Sisters companion planting
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling bean beetles
RadishesBreak up compacted soil and mature quickly without competing for space
LettuceBenefits from bean nitrogen fixation and provides ground cover to retain moisture
Summer SavoryRepels bean beetles and may improve bean flavor and growth

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
GarlicReleases compounds that can stunt bean growth and interfere with beneficial bacteria
FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of beans and most garden plants
SunflowersCompete heavily for nutrients and water, and may release growth-inhibiting chemicals

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
28
Protein (g)
0.9
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
6.43
Fibre (g)
1.8
Sugars (g)
3.8
Vitamin A (µg)
0
Vitamin C (mg)
21
Vitamin E (mg)
0.03
Vitamin K (µg)
0.1
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.09
Folate (µg)
15
Calcium (mg)
30
Iron (mg)
0.3
Magnesium (mg)
11
Phosphorus (mg)
27
Potassium (mg)
191
Zinc (mg)
0.27
Selenium (µg)
0.7
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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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