Drying Bean Seeds - Whipple
Best heirloom choice for home gardeners seeking rich, historic culinary flavors.
Discover the rare Whipple Drying Bean, an old family heirloom with roots in Oregon's mid-19th century pioneer history. These open-pollinated seeds yield vigorous bush plants producing beautiful purplish-red beans speckled with white. Celebrated for an excellent, rich cooking flavor, these certified organic seeds are grown on small farms in Eugene, OR. This annual variety thrives in full sun and is ready for harvest in 70-90 days. Perfect for both culinary use and saving seeds, the Whipple bean offers a unique taste of agricultural heritage for your garden.
$3.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
/ Phaseolus vulgaris
Who it's for
- Sustainable gardeners interested in seed saving and self-sufficiency
- Preppers building a reliable, long-term pantry supply
- Health-conscious cooks seeking nutrient-dense pantry staples
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with short, unpredictable growing seasons
- Busy growers looking for low-maintenance, quick-harvest crops
- Farmers in areas prone to late-season rain or pests
Performance breakdown
Heirloom Authenticity
Deep historical roots provide genuine agricultural heritage for your garden.
Culinary Versatility
Rich flavor profile makes these beans a standout kitchen staple.
Growing Ease
Vigorous bush habit simplifies maintenance for gardeners of all levels.
Seed Viability
Open-pollinated genetics ensure reliable results for future seed saving.
Sourcing Integrity
Certified organic standards reflect high-quality, small-batch ethical farming practices.
Harvest Efficiency
Predictable 70-90 day window allows for straightforward seasonal planning.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Type
HEIRLOOM
Flavor
Excellent, very rich, cooking flavor
Plant Habit
Vigorous bush plants sometimes have short runners
Seed Appearance
Pretty purplish-red with little white spots
Grown By
Hands on Organics, Eugene, OR
Minimum Seeds per Packet
16
Packet Weight
14g
Features
- Heirloom variety with rich cooking flavor
- Vigorous bush plant habit
- Rare variety with unique appearance
- Certified Organic and small farm grown
- Open-pollinated and self-pollinating
- Suitable for cooking and seed saving
- Annual life cycle
- Frost sensitive crop
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Whipple bean seeds for their exceptional reliability and high germination rates, building confidence early in the season. The resulting plants are vigorous, producing substantial yields perfect for drying and storage. Reviewers consistently highlight the superior culinary quality of the dried beans, noting excellent flavor and creamy texture that surpasses store-bought options. This high final product quality drives repeat purchases. While these pole beans require sturdy support, the overall consensus confirms these seeds deliver outstanding performance and excellent value for gardeners focused on preserving heritage varieties and maximizing their winter pantries. They are a highly dependable choice.
Know before you buy
These are drying beans, meaning you should leave the pods on the plant until they are dry and brittle. Once harvested, shell the beans and store them in a cool, dry place; they are prized for their rich, hearty flavor in soups, stews, and baked bean recipes.
No, Whipple beans grow as vigorous bush plants and do not require trellising. While they may occasionally produce short runners, they are sturdy enough to stand on their own without support.
Yes, because Whipple is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, you can successfully save the seeds from your harvest. To maintain purity, ensure you keep a 20-foot isolation distance from other bean varieties to prevent cross-pollination.
Whipple beans are frost-sensitive and require warm soil to germinate. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and your soil temperature is consistently between 60-80 ℉ before direct sowing them into the garden.
Each packet contains a minimum of 16 seeds. You should space them 2-4 inches apart at a depth of 1 inch to ensure each plant has enough room to thrive.
Yes, these seeds are certified organic and grown on small farms in Eugene, Oregon. They are an excellent choice for gardeners committed to organic, non-GMO, and heirloom cultivation.
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