Pole Bean Seeds - Bertie Best Greasy, ORGANIC
Best heirloom choice for gardeners interested in traditional Appalachian cooking.
Discover the ORGANIC and HEIRLOOM 'Bertie Best Greasy' Pole Bean Seeds, a variety with over 130 years of history originating from Haywood County, NC. These seeds yield short, round-podded beans perfect for fresh eating or drying into traditional shuck beans. The dried beans naturally present a mix of white, tan, and black colors, honoring a long-standing family tradition. Grown by Laughing Springs Farm in Boone, NC, these annual plants thrive in full sun and require proper soil conditions for optimal pod production throughout the season.
$4.75
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 5876
#3 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-55%
Below average
Minimum Seeds per Packet
35
Who it's for
- Urban gardeners maximizing harvest potential in limited vertical spaces
- Eco-conscious gardeners prioritizing sustainable and chemical-free growing practices
- Culinary enthusiasts seeking superior flavor for cooking and preserving
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting a low-maintenance, no-infrastructure planting experience
- Busy growers unable to commit to frequent, daily harvest schedules
- Impatient gardeners looking for the fastest possible crop turnaround
Performance breakdown
Heirloom Authenticity
Deep historical roots provide an authentic connection to Appalachian gardening traditions.
Culinary Versatility
Equally effective as a fresh snap bean or dried for shucking.
Organic Integrity
Certified organic status ensures clean, chemical-free production from small-scale farms.
Growth Complexity
Requires vertical support structures and consistent maintenance throughout the growing season.
Seed Saving Potential
Reliable heirloom genetics make this an ideal candidate for seed saving.
Space Efficiency
Vining habit demands significant garden footprint and is unsuitable for containers.
Key Specs
Minimum Seeds per Packet
35
Packet Weight
14g
Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Days to Harvest
85 days
Sowing Depth
1 inch (2.54 cm)
Sun Requirement
Full Sun
Life Cycle
Annual
Isolation Distance (for seed saving)
20 feet
Features
- Heirloom variety with rich history
- Certified organic and small farm grown
- Versatile for fresh eating or drying
- Naturally mixed color dried beans
- Vining pole bean requires support
- Self-pollinating annual crop
- Excellent for traditional shuck bean recipes
- Requires isolation for seed saving
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly value the Bertie Best Greasy Pole Bean Seeds for their exceptional flavor and unique texture, often described as buttery. Seed quality is a major highlight, with reviewers consistently reporting excellent germination across various soil types. The organic certification appeals to sustainable gardeners. These vines exhibit vigorous growth, producing substantial yields perfect for preservation or fresh eating. While the initial cost is noted as premium, consumers agree the superior performance and unparalleled taste fully justify the investment. This heirloom variety builds strong loyalty among serious gardeners seeking reliable, high-quality staples.
Know before you buy
The term 'greasy' refers to the pod texture of these heirloom beans, which are smooth, shiny, and lack the fuzzy hairs found on many other bean varieties. This characteristic makes them particularly tender and pleasant to eat.
Yes, because these are pole beans, they require a trellis, fence, or sturdy poles to climb. They are not suitable for containers and need vertical space to grow properly throughout the season.
Absolutely. This variety is highly regarded for its versatility and is excellent for drying to make traditional shuck beans. The dried seeds naturally appear in a mix of white, tan, and black colors.
You can expect to harvest your Bertie Best Greasy beans approximately 85 days after sowing. Ensure they are planted in full sun for the best pod production.
Yes, because these are an heirloom variety, you can save the seeds for future planting. To maintain purity, ensure you keep them isolated from other bean varieties by at least 20 feet.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.