Beans

Basic Information

Seed Number

184

Seed Name

Beans

Variety

Dark 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

4–8 days

Harvest/Maturity

95–96 days to dry bean harvest

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

75-85°F

Planting Depth

1-1.5 in

Plant Spacing

3-4 in

Row Spacing

24-36 in

Thin-To Spacing

3-4 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Maintain moderate moisture during growth and flowering; allow pods to dry as seed matures

Soil Preference

Warm, well-drained soil with moderate fertility

Minimum Container Size

3-5 gal

Plant Height

About 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

Everwilde Farms; 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
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: Everwilde Farms: https://www.everwilde.com/store/Dark-Red-Kidney-Dry-Bean-Seeds.html | 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 promptly after warm conditions arrive. With approximately 95-96 days to mature dry seed, late planting can leave pods insufficiently dry before autumn weather.
Germination: Direct sow after frost in warm soil. Germination typically occurs within approximately 4-8 days under favorable conditions.
Harvest: Leave pods on plants until mature, dry and brittle. If autumn rain threatens before complete drying, pull plants and hang them under cover with good airflow.
Seed Saving: Dark Red Kidney is open-pollinated. Save completely dry seed from healthy plants and protect stored beans from moisture.
Special Care: This is a dry kidney bean and should be cooked thoroughly before eating; raw or undercooked kidney beans should not be consumed.
Research Source: Urban Farmer — https://www.ufseeds.com/product/dark-red-kidney-bean-seeds/BEDRK.html — Phaseolus vulgaris identity, bush dry-bean habit, 96-day maturity, 18-inch height, 1-inch depth, 2-inch spacing, 24-inch rows and open-pollinated status
Research Source: Annie's Heirloom Seeds — https://anniesheirloomseeds.com/products/dark-red-kidney-bean-phaseolus-vulgaris — 4-8 day germination, 95-day maturity, 75-85°F germination temperature, depth and spacing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]