1500 Year Old Cave Pole Bean
Best heirloom choice for gardeners seeking high-yielding, versatile climbing beans.
Discover the unique 1500-year-old Cave Pole Bean, an heirloom variety originating from a sealed cave in the southwestern United States. This dual-purpose bean offers young, flattened green pods with a robust, snappy flavor, perfect for fresh eating. For a later harvest, the dried beans are white with distinctive maroon splashes and artistic patterns. These beans are extremely vigorous, capable of climbing up to ten feet tall, and are known to produce heavily late in the season, even after other varieties have finished. Ensure warm soil temperatures above 60ºF for optimal germination and consistent moisture during flowering for the best results.
$3.85
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 6504
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-64%
Below average
Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
/ Phaseolus vulgaris
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking reliable plants for unpredictable climates
- Home cooks prioritizing unique, heirloom culinary experiences
- Self-sufficient growers building a sustainable, long-term seed bank
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for standard, affordable seed packets
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance, ground-level planting options
- Commercial growers needing fast turnover and maximum harvest volume
Performance breakdown
Historical Significance
A rare heirloom variety with a fascinating, ancient origin story.
Yield Potential
Vigorous growth habits ensure heavy harvests late into the season.
Culinary Versatility
Functions perfectly as both a crisp green bean and dried legume.
Visual Appeal
Striking maroon patterns make these dried beans a decorative kitchen staple.
Growth Complexity
Requires significant vertical support and consistent moisture for optimal results.
Space Efficiency
Ten-foot vines demand dedicated garden space and are not container-friendly.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Days to Maturity
90 Days
Seed Count
50 seeds
Sowing Depth
1 inch deep
Plant Spacing
3-4 inches apart for pole growth
Plant Height
120 inches
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Features
- Heirloom variety with a unique history
- Dual-purpose: edible green pods and dried beans
- Vigorous climber reaching up to 10 feet
- Productive late in the season
- Dries to white with maroon splashes
- Artistic Rorschach-like patterns on dried beans
What customers say
Gardeners consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the 1500 Year Old Cave Pole Bean. The primary delight stems from the surprisingly high germination rates, a crucial factor for heirloom varieties. Reviewers frequently highlight the robust growth and the superior flavor of the resulting harvest, confirming the seeds live up to their historical significance. While positioned at a premium price, the abundant yield and unique story solidify this product as an excellent value for specialized seed collectors and serious home growers.
Know before you buy
No, this variety is not recommended for containers. Because these plants are vigorous climbers that reach up to 10 feet tall, they require a sturdy, in-ground trellis system to support their height and weight.
You can harvest them in two stages: pick the pods while they are young and flattened for fresh eating, or leave them on the vine until they are fully mature and dry if you want to save the beans for cooking or storage.
These beans require warm soil to sprout effectively. Ensure your soil temperature is consistently above 60ºF before planting, and sow the seeds one inch deep.
Beyond providing a tall trellis, the most important maintenance step is ensuring consistent moisture during the flowering stage. This helps prevent blossom drop and ensures a heavy harvest later in the season.
The 1500 Year Old Cave Pole Bean takes approximately 90 days to reach full maturity. They are known for being highly productive late in the season, often continuing to produce after other bean varieties have finished.
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