Beans

Basic Information

Seed Number

183

Seed Name

Beans

Variety

Light Red Kidney

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Fabaceae

Plant Type

Bush dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Planting Method

Direct Sow

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

May 19

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 30

Plantable Months

May, June

Indoor Start

Not recorded

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jun 30

Transplant

Not Recommended

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not Recommended

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not Recommended

Germination Days

7–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

85–95 days to dry bean harvest

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65°F+

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

4-6 in

Row Spacing

24-36 in

Thin-To Spacing

4-6 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Average moisture during vegetative growth and flowering; allow plants and pods to dry as beans reach full maturity

Soil Preference

Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Minimum Container Size

3-5 gal

Plant Height

15-18 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

Annie's Heirloom Seeds; FDA natural toxins; MSU Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after soil warms
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jun 20
Germination Time: About 7–10 days in warm soil
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 85–95 days to dry seed
Container Friendly: Possible, but beds/ground are more efficient for a useful dry-bean harvest
Pollinator Friendly: Somewhat; mostly self-pollinating
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary dry bean
Perennial?: No; annual
Succession / Reusable Notes: One main planting is best so pods have enough season to dry fully.
Zone 6B Notes: Plant early enough for pods to dry before cool, wet fall weather and frost.
Companion Plants: Corn, squash, cucumbers, carrots
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Allow pods to mature and dry before storage. Avoid cold/wet soil; rotate legumes to reduce disease. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked; do not eat raw or undercooked.
Sources: Annie's Heirloom Seeds: https://anniesheirloomseeds.com/products/organic-light-red-kidney-bean-phaseolus-vulgaris | FDA natural toxins: https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical-contaminants-pesticides/natural-toxins-food | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Plant after frost once soil is warm. Because dry kidney beans need 85-95 days plus dry weather for finishing pods, plant by late June in Southeast Michigan.
Germination: Direct sow into warm, well-drained soil. Avoid cold, saturated conditions.
Harvest: For dry beans, leave pods on plants until yellow-brown, dry and brittle. If wet weather threatens, entire plants can be pulled and finished under cover with good airflow.
Seed Saving: Dry beans intended for eating are also mature seed. Save clean, fully dried beans from healthy open-pollinated plants.
Special Care: Light Red Kidney is a compact upright bush dry bean rather than a snap bean.
Research Source: Eden Brothers — https://www.edenbrothers.com/products/organic-light-red-kidney-bean-seeds — Phaseolus vulgaris identity, annual bush habit, 85-95 day maturity, 15-18 inch height, 1-inch depth, 4-6 inch spacing and direct sowing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]