Bean Seeds - Bush - Blue Speckled Tepary (Organic)
80 Days to maturity. Phaseolus acutifolius. Organic Blue Speckled Tepary Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat tolerant, bush shell Tepary bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Tepary Beans were used for many generations by many Native American cultures as a staple and reliable food crop. Higher in fiber and protein than other beans. Over the years, they were selected to be more drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant. However, they do not like wet, heavy clay soils. They need good drainage. ~200 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Blue Speckled Tepary Beans in the Vegetable Garden
To plant Blue Speckled Tepary Beans, you should sow the seeds about 1 inch deep directly into the garden soil after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 70 F (21 C). Space the seeds 4-6 inches apart within the rows, and maintain 18-24 inches of space between each row. This allows the plants adequate room to grow and develop.
Initially water the plants thoroughly after sowing to ensure proper germination. While tepary beans are known for their drought tolerance, consistent watering is crucial, especially during germination and flowering. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
Before planting, it’s beneficial to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide necessary nutrients. Since these beans are nitrogen-fixing, they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by the plant, reducing the need for nitrogen-rich fertilizers. However, if the soil quality is poor, you can apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time.
Keeping the area weed-free is essential to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Although bush-type beans generally do not require staking, providing some support can help keep the plants upright, particularly in windy conditions.
Blue Speckled Tepary Beans grow well alongside corn, squash, and marigolds. However, it’s best to avoid planting them near onions and garlic. For optimal growth, practice crop rotation yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Over-watering should be avoided to reduce the risk of root diseases.
Harvesting Blue Speckled Tepary Beans
You can harvest Blue Speckled Tepary Beans as shell beans when the pods are dry and brittle, which typically occurs around 80 days after planting. The beans inside should be hard and dry, and the pods should be brown and beginning to crack. To harvest, carefully pull the dry pods from the plant or cut the entire plant and hang it upside down in a well-ventilated area to dry further. Once fully dry, shell the beans by hand or by lightly stepping on the pods to release the beans.
About Blue Speckled Tepary Bean Garden Seeds
Native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, these beans have been cultivated for centuries by indigenous peoples like the Tohono O'odham Nation.
They are high in protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, and other essential nutrients, supporting heart health, digestive health, and stable blood sugar levels.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"These beans do well with less water than other varieties. Just be sure not to overwater them in times of plenty because too much water can cause root diseases."
 |
- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Organic Blue Speckled Tepary Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 0.5 oz Packet - Wholesale - Approximately 100 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,200 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Blue Speckled Tepary Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Phaseolus acutifolius |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Not Applicable |
| Blue Speckled Tepary Bean Color: | White or cream colored with blue speckling. |
| Blue Speckled Tepary Bean Flavor: | They have a nutty and slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture that holds up well in cooking. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 80 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
| Start Indoors: | Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
| Bean Pollination: | Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Shell - Shell beans have a non-edible woody or fibrous husk that contains the edible beans within. For example, edamame has the beans inside, but you wouldn't want to eat the husk. Shell beans are also sometimes referred to as shelling beans. |
| Pole or Bush Bean: | Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready for harvest around 66-86 days. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Bean Use: | Soups, stews, salads, side dishes, chili, and more. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat, Drought |