Jacobs Cattle Bush Dried Bean
Best heirloom choice for gardeners in short-season or clay-heavy climates.
Discover the Jacobs Cattle Bush Dried Bean, a beloved heirloom variety perfect for your culinary adventures. This attractive bean, also known as Trout or Dalmatian bean, boasts striking white and deep maroon markings. It's an early maturing bush type, ideal for shorter growing seasons, and can be enjoyed as a tender shell bean when immature. Known for its excellent germination and performance even in heavy clay soil, this certified organic variety is ready for harvest in approximately 83 days, making it a reliable choice for soups and baking.
$5.20
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-51%
Below average
Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
/ Phaseolus vulgaris
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking rich texture and robust flavor
- Beginner gardeners needing low-maintenance, space-saving crops
- Heirloom enthusiasts valuing unique aesthetics and reliable genetics
Who should skip it
- Impatient growers wanting a quick-maturing harvest
- Gardeners with limited space seeking maximum yield density
- Organic gardeners wary of pest and disease management
Performance breakdown
Soil Adaptability
Thrives in heavy clay where other varieties often struggle to establish.
Season Versatility
Early maturity makes this a reliable performer for shorter growing windows.
Germination Reliability
Consistent sprout rates ensure a productive start to your garden season.
Culinary Utility
Exceptional texture and flavor profile for hearty soups and baked dishes.
Growth Habit
Compact bush structure eliminates the need for complex trellising or support.
Heirloom Integrity
Certified organic seeds preserve the authentic character of this traditional variety.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Days to Maturity
83 days
Seed Sowing Depth
1 inch deep
Seed Spacing
2-3 inches apart
Germination Time
4-10 days
Seed Count
Approximately 80-90 seeds per ounce
Organic
true
Heirloom
true
Features
- Popular traditional soup and baking bean
- Early maturing for shorter seasons
- Attractive white and deep maroon coloration
- Can be used as a shell bean
- Performs well in heavy clay soil
- Certified Organic and Heirloom
- Convenient bush type growth
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality and reliability of the Jacobs Cattle seed stock. Gardeners report excellent germination rates leading to vigorous, productive bush plants. The resulting beans are highly valued for their rich flavor and beautiful appearance, confirming this variety offers substantial value for home gardens seeking a dependable, high yielding staple.
Know before you buy
Yes, Jacobs Cattle Bush beans are known for their resilience and perform well even in heavy clay soil conditions where other varieties might struggle.
These beans typically reach maturity in approximately 83 days, making them an excellent choice for gardeners with shorter growing seasons.
While they are a classic choice for soups and baking when dried, you can also harvest them early to enjoy as a tender shell bean.
Plant your seeds 1 inch deep in the soil, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart to ensure proper airflow and growth.
No, these are a bush-type variety, meaning they grow in a compact, self-supporting habit and do not require staking or trellising.
Yes, this variety is certified organic and is also an heirloom seed, meaning you can save the seeds from your harvest to plant in future seasons.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$5