Bean – Henderson’s Black Valentine

Description

Henderson Black Valentine Bean (a.k.a. Stringless Black Valentine, Henderson Black Valentine)

50 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 52–70 days for snap beans, 100 days for dry beans

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

An heirloom classic introduced in 1897 by Peter Henderson & Co., Henderson’s Black Valentine is a reliable and versatile bean prized for its stringless pods, drought tolerance, and rich flavor. A cross between Pencil-Pod Black Wax and Black Valentine, this “half-runner” type produces tall, vigorous plants reaching 16–36″ with a spreading habit. Slender, dark-green pods grow 6–6½″ long, nearly round in shape, and remain stringless at every stage—making them ideal for both snap and dry use.

The glossy black seeds can be harvested mature for soups and stews, while the tender young pods make excellent fresh snap beans. Hardy and productive, this variety resists bean mosaic and performs well in early spring plantings. Long favored for canning and market shipping, it’s still a dependable choice for home gardens today.

Like other black beans, Henderson’s Black Valentine is rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, and a good source of iron, magnesium, and folate. The dark seed coat also contains beneficial antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which contribute to overall heart and immune health.

With outstanding flavor, adaptability, and nutritional value, Henderson’s Black Valentine remains a cherished staple for gardeners who want beauty in the row and nourishment on the table.

Disease Resistance: Bean Mosaic

Planting Instructions for Henderson’s Black Valentine Bean Seeds

When to Plant
Sow Henderson’s Black Valentine bean seeds outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F, ideally 70–80°F for best germination. This is typically 1–2 weeks after your average last frost date. Beans are frost-sensitive and should never be planted in cold, wet soil.

Where to Plant
Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid low or compacted areas where water tends to collect. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal. Henderson Black Valentine performs well in early spring plantings and shows good drought tolerance. If your soil is poor, amend with compost before planting.

How to Plant
Do not soak bean seeds before planting, as this can reduce germination rates. Sow seeds directly outdoors about 1″ deep in well-warmed soil. Space seeds 2–4″ apart in rows that are 18–24″ apart. If starting seeds indoors, plant them 1–1.5″ deep in pots and harden them off before transplanting. Use your finger or a dibber to make the holes, and cover the seeds lightly with soil.

Growing Notes
Henderson’s Black Valentine is a half-runner type with vigorous, spreading plants reaching 16–36″ tall. It produces slender, dark green, stringless pods 6–6½″ long that can be harvested early for snap beans or left to mature for dry use. Like other beans, it fixes its own nitrogen and rarely needs additional fertilizer. Keep soil moist but not soggy, especially during flowering and pod development. Mulch when plants are established to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and prevent soil splash. This variety is resistant to bean mosaic.

Succession Planting
Henderson’s Black Valentine beans produce well for fresh use and may benefit from staggered sowings every 2–3 weeks during the snap bean harvest window. However, if your primary goal is dry beans, a single planting is sufficient, as all pods are harvested at full maturity.

Pests and Problems
Watch for Mexican bean beetles, stink bugs, leafminers, spider mites, and common fungal and bacterial diseases. Remove affected leaves promptly and practice 3-year crop rotation. Avoid handling wet foliage to reduce disease spread.

Harvesting
For snap beans, harvest pods when they are young, tender, and stringless—typically 52–70 days from planting. For dry beans, wait until pods are tan and brittle and beans inside rattle, usually around 100 days.

• Option 1: Uproot the entire plant once 90% of the leaves have dropped. Hang to dry in a sheltered, well-ventilated area.
• Option 2: If conditions are humid, pick pods as they dry and finish drying them indoors.

Shell beans by hand, stomping dried pods in a sack, or dancing on them in a tub. Winnow with wind or a fan to separate beans from chaff. Beans must be hard and fully dry before storing.

Storage
Store fully dried Henderson’s Black Valentine beans in airtight glass jars or sealed containers in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage (5–10 years), use mylar bags or #10 cans with oxygen absorbers. Beans should not be soft or dentable with a fingernail.

If harvested as snap beans, store unwashed pods in the refrigerator crisper drawer inside a plastic bag or container. They will keep fresh for 7–10 days. For longer storage, blanch and freeze them in freezer-safe containers or bags; properly stored, they’ll last up to one year. Snap beans may also be pressure canned—never water bath can them, as it is not safe. Always follow USDA-tested pressure canning procedures.

Cooking Tips
Henderson’s Black Valentine beans have excellent flavor and can be used fresh or dry. As dry beans, the glossy black seeds are ideal in soups, stews, and side dishes. Like most dry beans, they benefit from overnight soaking followed by a 10-minute boil and a slow simmer until tender. Cooked beans freeze well with some cooking liquid in jars or containers.

Seed Saving
Save the best, fully mature Henderson’s Black Valentine beans for next year’s planting. Choose pods that are dry, brittle, and tan in color. Shell the beans and check that they are hard and cannot be dented with a fingernail. Spread the seeds out on a screen or tray in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated space for an additional week or two to ensure they are completely dry. Once fully dry, store them in airtight containers such as seed saving envelopes or glass jars in a cool, dry, and dark place. Properly dried and stored seeds can remain viable for 3–5 years.

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