Drying Bean Seeds - Black Turtle
Best heirloom choice for home gardeners seeking protein-rich pantry staples.
Discover the classic Black Turtle Bean, known as _frijoles negros_, a staple celebrated globally for its meaty texture and deep flavor. These heirloom drying beans are a favorite in vegetarian cooking and offer a healthy boost of lean protein, iron, and antioxidants. This bush habit variety typically requires no trellising, forming short runners instead. Each packet contains a minimum of 75 small farmer-grown seeds, ready for direct sowing after the last frost. For optimal flavor, ensure pods mature and dry completely on the vine before harvesting and storage.
$3.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
4592
/ 6090
#4592 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Minimum Seeds per Packet
75
Who it's for
- Health-conscious cooks seeking nutrient-dense plant-based protein sources
- Preppers and homesteaders prioritizing long-term pantry food security
- Sustainable gardeners aiming for self-sufficient seed saving practices
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners lacking time for labor-intensive harvesting and processing
- Northern growers living in regions with short, cool summers
- Organic gardeners wanting to avoid active pest management routines
Performance breakdown
Growth Simplicity
Bush habit eliminates the need for complex trellising or support structures.
Nutritional Density
A robust source of plant-based protein, iron, and essential antioxidants.
Storage Longevity
Drying beans offer exceptional shelf life for long-term pantry stocking.
Culinary Versatility
Meaty texture and deep flavor profile anchor countless vegetarian staple dishes.
Sourcing Integrity
Small-batch, farmer-grown seeds ensure high quality and genetic heirloom consistency.
Garden Accessibility
Requires full sun and specific harvest timing for optimal flavor development.
Key Specs
Minimum Seeds per Packet
75
Packet Weight
14g
Days to Harvest
90 days
Seed Depth
1"
Direct Seed Spacing
2-4"
Sun Requirement
Full Sun
Country of Origin
USA (Grown by Wild Plum Farm in Dixon, MT)
Life Cycle
Annual
Features
- Heirloom variety with deep, meaty flavor
- Bush habit; usually requires no trellising
- Excellent source of lean protein and iron
- Small farmer grown for quality assurance
- Requires full sun for best performance
- Drying bean for long-term storage
- Self-pollinating common bean type
What customers say
Customers express high satisfaction with the quality and reliability of these Black Turtle seeds. A key theme is the exceptional germination rate, leading to vigorous and productive plants. Gardeners consistently praise the true to type harvest, noting the beans' excellent color, flavor, and texture ideal for drying and storage. The ease of cultivation and the strong yield per packet reinforce the product's value. This reliable, open-pollinated seed is highly recommended by home gardeners for delivering substantial returns in both quantity and culinary quality.
Know before you buy
No, these are a bush habit variety. They grow as compact plants and do not require trellising, though they may produce short runners.
For drying beans, you must allow the pods to mature and dry completely on the vine until they are brittle. Once the pods are dry and the seeds inside are hard, they are ready for harvest and long-term storage.
These beans are not recommended for container gardening. They perform best when planted directly in the ground in a location that receives full sun.
Each packet contains a minimum of 75 seeds, which are small, farmer-grown heirloom seeds.
You can expect to harvest these beans approximately 90 days after sowing. Be sure to plant them after the last frost date in your area.
Plant the seeds 1 inch deep with 2 to 4 inches of spacing between them. They require full sun and moderate watering to thrive throughout their annual life cycle.
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