Description
Jacob’s Cattle Bean (a.k.a. Trout, Couch Dog, Dalmation, Anasazi, Appaloosa)
50 Seeds per pack
Days to Maturity: 80–100 Days
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Jacob’s Cattle Bush Bean An old heirloom dating back to at least the 1700s, Jacob’s Cattle is surrounded by legend when it comes to its name. One story says it was a gift from Maine’s Passamaquoddy Indians to Joseph Clark, the first white child born in Lubec, Maine. Another claims New Englanders named the bean after the Biblical story of Jacob and the spotted cattle.
Best known for its bold maroon-and-white mottled seeds that resemble the markings of spotted cattle, Jacob’s Cattle—also called Trout, Appaloosa, or Dalmatian beans—is a large, kidney-shaped dry bean with a firm texture and rich, earthy flavor. A hint of sweetness and the ability to hold its shape make it ideal for baked beans, hearty stews, and well-seasoned soups.
Bush-type plants grow 18–24″ tall with a spread of up to 20″, producing sturdy 4–5″ pods containing 6–8 beans each. Compact and dependable, these early-yielding plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Known for their heavy yields, striking appearance, and exceptional flavor, Jacob’s Cattle beans are a cherished variety for gardeners and cooks alike!
Planting Instructions for Jacob’s Cattle Bean Seeds
When to Plant
Sow Jacob’s Cattle 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. Jacob’s Cattle beans thrive in warm, sunny conditions. 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
Jacob’s Cattle is a compact bush-type plant that grows 18–24″ tall with a spread of up to 20″. It produces sturdy 4–5″ pods containing 6–8 large, maroon-and-white mottled beans. This early-yielding heirloom is dependable and productive, holding its shape well in the garden and in the pot. 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.
Succession Planting
Jacob’s Cattle beans are typically grown for dry use and produce one main crop all at once. Staggered planting is generally not necessary unless a longer snap harvest is desired. For dry beans, a single planting is sufficient.
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
Harvest Jacob’s Cattle beans for dry use when pods are tan and brittle and beans inside rattle, typically around 80–100 days from planting.
- 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 Jacob’s Cattle 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.
Cooking Tips
Jacob’s Cattle beans have a firm texture, rich earthy flavor, and a hint of sweetness. They’re excellent in baked beans, soups, and stews, and they hold their shape well during cooking. 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 Jacob’s Cattle 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.
FAQ:
What is the origin of the Jacob’s Cattle Bush Bean?
Jacob’s Cattle Beans are ideal for baked beans, hearty soups, and stews. Their firm texture and rich, earthy flavor hold up well during long cooking, and a hint of sweetness makes them a favorite for traditional baked bean recipes.
How tall do Jacob’s Cattle Bush Beans grow?
These bush-type heirloom beans grow to about 18–24 inches tall, with a spread of up to 20 inches. They don’t require staking and are perfect for small garden spaces.
When should I plant Jacob’s Cattle Bean seeds?
Plant Jacob’s Cattle Bean seeds 1–2 weeks after your last frost, once the soil reaches at least 60°F, ideally 70–80°F. Avoid planting in cold or soggy soil for best results.
Do Jacob’s Cattle Beans need full sun?
Yes. Jacob’s Cattle Beans need full sun and thrive in well-drained soil. Choose a sunny, open location with good airflow to help prevent disease.
Can Jacob’s Cattle Beans be harvested as snap beans?
While they are mainly grown for dry use, you can harvest Jacob’s Cattle Beans young as snap beans, though the flavor and texture shine best when used as mature dry beans.
How do I harvest and store Jacob’s Cattle Beans?
Harvest when pods are dry, tan, and brittle—usually around 80–100 days. Dry thoroughly, shell, and store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage, use mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. (Do not do this if saving the seeds!)
Are Jacob’s Cattle Beans disease- and pest-resistant?
Jacob’s Cattle Beans are generally hardy, but you should watch for Mexican bean beetles, stink bugs, and fungal diseases. Rotate crops every 3 years and avoid handling wet leaves to reduce problems.
Do Jacob’s Cattle Beans fix nitrogen in the soil?
Yes, like other beans, Jacob’s Cattle Beans are nitrogen-fixing and help enrich the soil naturally. They typically don’t need extra fertilizer if grown in healthy soil.
Can I save seeds from Jacob’s Cattle Beans?
Absolutely. Jacob’s Cattle Beans are open-pollinated, making them easy to save. Dry the seeds thoroughly and store them in sealed containers for up to 3–5 years.
Patricia S. (verified owner) –
All I can say about these is yummy yummy. Saint Clare’s has added some variety to our Garden. Great service, family business with a supply of seeds that can be trusted year after year