- Hardiness Zone: 4-12 Annual
Seed Depth: 1 inch
Seed Spacing: 2-4 inches
Row Spacing: 18-24 inches
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
Days to Sprout: 7-14 days
Days to Maturity: 90-100 days
Growth Habit: Bush
Sunlight: Light Red Kidney Beans require full sun for optimal growth, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal. Avoid overly rich soil to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of bean production.
When to Plant: Direct sow after the last spring frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (16°C). Beans do not tolerate frost, so wait until nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F.
Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart. Keep rows spaced 18-24 inches apart for air circulation. Water thoroughly after planting.
Indoor Sowing: Kidney beans do not transplant well, so direct sowing is recommended.
Succession Planting: For an extended harvest, plant in intervals of 2-3 weeks until midsummer.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water 1 inch per week, increasing during dry spells.
Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Weeding: Remove weeds carefully to avoid disturbing shallow bean roots.
Fertilization: Minimal fertilization is needed. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage foliage over bean production.
Support: Bush-type plants do not need staking but may benefit from light support if heavily loaded with beans.
When to Harvest: For fresh beans, harvest when pods are plump but still tender. For dried beans, allow pods to fully mature on the plant until they are dry and brittle, usually around 90-100 days.
How to Harvest: Gently pull pods from the plant to avoid damage. If drying beans, leave pods on the plant as long as possible, then remove and spread in a warm, dry area to finish drying.
Seed Collection: Allow pods to dry completely before removing seeds. Store dried beans in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
Storing Seeds: Beans can remain viable for 3-5 years if stored in a dry, cool location.
Why You’ll Love It
Light Red Kidney Beans are a must-have heirloom variety for gardeners who love growing pantry staples. These bush-type plants are easy to grow and highly productive, producing large, kidney-shaped beans with a smooth texture and mild, nutty flavor. Ideal for drying and long-term storage, they’re a go-to for homemade chili, soups, and hearty dishes. Their dependable yields and disease resistance make them perfect for home gardens, especially in warm, sunny spots.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 18–24 inches
Growth Habit: Compact bush with upright structure and clustered pods
Bean Type: Medium to large, kidney-shaped light red beans
Days to Maturity: 90–100 days
Hardiness: Warm-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mild, nutty, and meaty with a creamy interior when cooked
Culinary Uses: Excellent for chili, soups, stews, and slow-cooked meals. Best used dried and soaked before cooking.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Corn, carrots, cucumbers, and savory
Avoid Planting Near: Onions, garlic, or fennel, which may inhibit bean growth
Bonus Benefit: Dried beans store easily for months — grow your own protein-packed pantry staple
Common Issues and Solutions
Rust or Mildew: Space plants for airflow and avoid overhead watering
Poor Pod Set: Plant in full sun and avoid excess nitrogen which can cause too much foliage
Pests (Mexican Bean Beetle): Hand-pick or use neem oil to control infestations
Seeds Per Packet
10g | Approximately 35 |
15g | Approximately 52 |
20g | Approximately 70 |
25g | Approximately 88 |
Why You’ll Love It
Light Red Kidney Beans are a must-have heirloom variety for gardeners who love growing pantry staples. These bush-type plants are easy to grow and highly productive, producing large, kidney-shaped beans with a smooth texture and mild, nutty flavor. Ideal for drying and long-term storage, they’re a go-to for homemade chili, soups, and hearty dishes. Their dependable yields and disease resistance make them perfect for home gardens, especially in warm, sunny spots.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 18–24 inches
Growth Habit: Compact bush with upright structure and clustered pods
Bean Type: Medium to large, kidney-shaped light red beans
Days to Maturity: 90–100 days
Hardiness: Warm-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mild, nutty, and meaty with a creamy interior when cooked
Culinary Uses: Excellent for chili, soups, stews, and slow-cooked meals. Best used dried and soaked before cooking.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Corn, carrots, cucumbers, and savory
Avoid Planting Near: Onions, garlic, or fennel, which may inhibit bean growth
Bonus Benefit: Dried beans store easily for months — grow your own protein-packed pantry staple
Common Issues and Solutions
Rust or Mildew: Space plants for airflow and avoid overhead watering
Poor Pod Set: Plant in full sun and avoid excess nitrogen which can cause too much foliage
Pests (Mexican Bean Beetle): Hand-pick or use neem oil to control infestations
Seeds Per Packet
10g | Approximately 35 |
15g | Approximately 52 |
20g | Approximately 70 |
25g | Approximately 88 |
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