Dark Red Kidney Beans are a classic, versatile variety that combines rich flavor, high nutritional value, and ease of cultivation. Seen in your favorite bold dishes like chili con carne, Louisiana red beans and rice, and rajma. Dark Red Kidney Beans are a must-have for culinary enthusiasts, adding robust flavor and texture to chili, soups, salads, and rice dishes. Their meaty consistency makes them a fantastic plant-based protein option, loved by vegetarians and omnivores alike. This open-pollinated bush shell bean may be harvested early for 5-7-inch long green snap beans or later for dry beans. The plants are sturdy and productive, yielding an abundance of deep red, glossy beans that are both beautiful and packed with protein and fiber. The beans are easy to dry and store, providing a pantry staple that lasts well beyond the growing season. Growing your own kidney beans ensures a fresher, healthier alternative to canned options, while giving you the satisfaction of producing your own food.

Also Known As: Red Bean, Mexican Red Bean, Rajma, Habichuelas Coloradas, Brenebon, Red Kidney, Red Bush Bean.

Plant Name:	Bean, Dark Red Kidney
Latin Name:	Phaseolus vulgarus
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	60-90
Plant Height:	18 - 24 Inches
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Kidney beans grow best in temperatures between 65F-85F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 7-9 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 4 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, plant 2-3 seeds per hole, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	4 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Kidney beans can be picked earlier for snap beans or later in the shelling stage or the dry stage. For snap beans, pick pods after 6 weeks when pods are bright green and at least 5 inches long. To pick beans during the shelling stage, pick when the pod has changed color and the beans have been plumped, but before the pods and seeds have dried, about 100-140 days after planting. During the dry stage, pick dry kidney beans when the pods are dry and brittle and seeds inside are hard. Fresh beans and pods can be frozen or stored in a refrigerator for a week. Kidney beans can be eaten fresh, frozen for later use, or preserved through canning.