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Wild Bean Seeds-The Thicket Bean

300 seeds, WIBE_300-S $64.00

 

The Thicket Bean-The Perennial Wild Bean

Related to the lima bean, thicket bean seeds are hard to find. This is partly to blame for the exploding nature of the seed pods during harvest as well as lack of interest in the gardening community.  I grew a population of thicket beans in southwestern Michigan over the course of a decade. Each year I learned a little bit more about this unique bean including its growing habits, harvesting and taste testing.  In 2017 I harvested 2 ounces of dry seeds from my plantings. In 2018 I harvested  1 lb. 10 ounces. In 2020 I hit a record of 4 lbs.. It turns out that once established the thicket bean produces copious amounts of beans. I also discovered that thicket bean will fruit in one year from seed. So it is quite a precocious little bean with a massive root and durable nature. 

This strain I feel is an earlier form and has fully ripened in southwestern Michigan making it one of the most northern forms under cultivation. Certainly others could grow it in northern zones but wild beans need a longer season to fully ripen. For me that means the pods turn brown starting at the end of September and continue for up to a month prior to harvest in mid to late October. It is a late bean but I also have it located in an area that doesn't allow all day sun. 

With thicket beans the small size is preferable in cooking and if the yields are high then what is to improve?  The pollination seems to improve over time in that other species of bees take an interest in the flowers as well as other nearby annual beans I grow. Cabbage butterflies, honey bees, as well as several species of bumblebees really fill the air when these start to flower in July and August. As the roots mature, the yields increase dramatically. After 10 years plus or minus a few years, it appears the root dies out. Also the older roots break down and hollow out. It could be possible the roots under more strict cultivation could last longer than a decade. Under a lot of mulch, thick grass or brush voles will eat them in some winters. For that reason i apply garlic oil on the soil and keep the area free of leaves in December before snow flies. 

There are some variations of these by other seed companies. Some are more black and slightly larger.  Other growers report very good yields on young plants and are trying to make selections based on yields. The seeds listed this year (fall of 2023) are from my oldest plants with best vigor and yield.

You cannot store these roots above ground in pots. They do not tolerate the conditions of pot culture during winter. 

Here is how to germinate the seeds:  Wild beans have a hard seed coat. If you plant them as they are, roughly 1/2 to 2/3 will germinate the first year.  To increase the germination rate, soften the seed coat by using a fine grit sandpaper and gently rub it on the seed. This will scar the seed and remove some of the shine. This will then make them imbibe water easily and then sprout. You can then plant directly outside under 1/2 inch of soil. The seeds throw a taproot first and then the top will come up slowly over the course of a month. Or you can soak your seed or put in a damp paper towel until sprouting begins and then plant.  Roots can go to 18 inches deep in one year and form a carrot type root.  Pretty much grow like any other bean. Potted plants work fine, but plant them in the ground before winter as they do not tolerate above ground winter conditions in pots and the roots will perish. 

Diseases of thicket bean include leaf rust which will defoliate and weaken the plant. Keep in check with biological insecticide Serenade which prevents its spread. This has worked well for me. 

 

Plant Specs
Genus & Species Phaseolus polystachios
Seed Source Michigan-Originally from the east coast this seed source was given to me by Eric Toensmeier. It is quite different than the Prairie Moon Nursery seed source which is black in color.
Hardiness minus 20F plus or more.
Height (ft) 15-30 ft.
Width (ft) 4-6 ft.
Pollination Requirements Carpenter bees, hummingbirds, other solitary bees, cabbage butterfly, honeybees, hoover flies, bumblebees. Hoover flies are quite prolific some years and others not so much.
Soil Found as a river plain species but appears to grow in rock and sand with ease. It has to have open soil in order to self sow.
Climate Zone 5 to 6 to10. Adaptable and even desert proof once established. Not good in high moisture locations in the summer as this can create rust which defoliates the plant early.
Ease of Cultivation Easy to grow and fruit. Avoid shade and other wet conditions as it is susceptible to foliage diseases which cause premature leaf drop. Cannot be overwintered in containers. For me it was a 100 percent failure to grow in pots in hoophouses. By year three outdoors, yields will greatly increase. Nitrogen fixing nodules are produced at this time as well. From seed, some plants will flower and fruit the first year. There are some plants that are naturally smaller and flower more profusely. You could potentially develop bush types from this same seed source. Watch out for voles which eat the roots. The roots will regenerate if damaged but only if the crown is not eaten into. Hybrids with lima bean can be produced in quantity by planting lima beans late in the season to overlap the flowering times. Thicket bean flowers later than lima bean flowers by 30-60 days.

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