- 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.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: Pods are slender and green, maturing to house smooth, kidney-shaped beans with a rich, red hue.
Height: Bush-type plants grow 18-24 inches tall, requiring minimal support.
Growth Habit: Compact and self-supporting, making them an excellent choice for small gardens.
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet and nutty with a smooth, creamy texture when cooked.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for chili, soups, stews, salads, and refried beans. Can be dried and stored for long-term use.
Companion Planting Tips
Best Compantions: Light Red Kidney Beans thrive when grown alongside plants that improve soil health and deter pests. Corn and squash are excellent companions, as they create a beneficial three-sister planting system. Carrots, cucumbers, and celery also work well.
Avoid: Avoid planting near onions and garlic, as they can stunt bean growth.
Common Issues and Solutions
Poor Germination: Beans require warm soil to germinate properly. Ensure soil temperatures are at least 60°F (16°C) before planting. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can cause seeds to rot.
Yellowing Leaves: This may indicate overwatering or nitrogen deficiency. Keep soil well-drained and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage leafy growth instead of bean production.
Bean Beetles and Aphids: Inspect plants regularly for pests. Handpick beetles and spray aphids with insecticidal soap or a strong water spray. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Mildew or Rust Spots: Good air circulation is key. Space plants properly and avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal diseases. Applying a neem oil spray can help control infections.
Seeds Per Packet
10g | Approximately 35 |
15g | Approximately 52 |
20g | Approximately 70 |
25g | Approximately 88 |
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: Pods are slender and green, maturing to house smooth, kidney-shaped beans with a rich, red hue.
Height: Bush-type plants grow 18-24 inches tall, requiring minimal support.
Growth Habit: Compact and self-supporting, making them an excellent choice for small gardens.
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet and nutty with a smooth, creamy texture when cooked.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for chili, soups, stews, salads, and refried beans. Can be dried and stored for long-term use.
Companion Planting Tips
Best Compantions: Light Red Kidney Beans thrive when grown alongside plants that improve soil health and deter pests. Corn and squash are excellent companions, as they create a beneficial three-sister planting system. Carrots, cucumbers, and celery also work well.
Avoid: Avoid planting near onions and garlic, as they can stunt bean growth.
Common Issues and Solutions
Poor Germination: Beans require warm soil to germinate properly. Ensure soil temperatures are at least 60°F (16°C) before planting. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can cause seeds to rot.
Yellowing Leaves: This may indicate overwatering or nitrogen deficiency. Keep soil well-drained and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage leafy growth instead of bean production.
Bean Beetles and Aphids: Inspect plants regularly for pests. Handpick beetles and spray aphids with insecticidal soap or a strong water spray. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Mildew or Rust Spots: Good air circulation is key. Space plants properly and avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal diseases. Applying a neem oil spray can help control infections.
Seeds Per Packet
10g | Approximately 35 |
15g | Approximately 52 |
20g | Approximately 70 |
25g | Approximately 88 |
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