Bean, Pole – Kentucky Wonder

Description

Kentucky Wonder Pole bean (a.k.a. Old Homestead, Texas Pole, Kentucky Wonder Green Pod, Improved Kentucky Wonder, Egg Harbour, and Improved Kentucky Wonder)

50 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 58–72 Days

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Best Seller!

Kentucky Wonder is one of America’s most enduring pole beans. Known in the South as “Texas Pole” by the 1850s, it was first marketed under that name in 1864. In 1877, James J. H. Gregory & Sons of Massachusetts officially introduced it as “Kentucky Wonder,” the name under which it quickly became one of the most widely grown pole beans in the country. Over time, it was also sold as Old Homestead and Improved Kentucky Wonder, reflecting its long-standing popularity.

The vigorous vines climb five to seven feet, thriving on poles, fences, or trellises. They bear clusters of smooth, bright green pods seven to ten inches long, packed with plump brown seeds. When picked frequently, the prolific plants continue producing until the first frosts of autumn and are noted for their natural resistance to rust disease.

Celebrated for their tender texture and rich, sweet, full-bodied flavor, Kentucky Wonder beans remain a benchmark variety for gardeners. Excellent fresh, canned, or frozen, they are as dependable and delicious today as when they first captured the attention of American gardeners more than a century and a half ago!

Disease Resistance: Rust Disease

Planting Instructions for Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean Seeds

When to Plant
Sow Kentucky Wonder pole bean seeds outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F, ideally 70–80°F for best germination. Beans are very frost-sensitive and should never be planted in cold or soggy soil. In most regions, this is 1–2 weeks after your average last frost date. A second sowing in mid-summer can extend the harvest into early fall.

Where to Plant
Choose a sunny site with fertile, well-drained soil. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is best. Amend the bed with compost or aged manure before planting. Because pole beans grow vertically, plant them on the north side of your garden so they won’t shade shorter crops. Kentucky Wonder also grows well in containers at least 12 inches wide and deep, provided you supply a trellis or teepee for climbing.

How to Plant
Install supports before planting to avoid damaging seedlings later. Sow seeds 1 to 1½ inches deep in well-warmed soil. Space seeds 3 inches apart along a trellis, or sow 4–6 seeds around each pole in a teepee. Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist until germination, which usually takes 8–10 days. Do not pre-soak seeds longer than 12 hours, as this can harm germination.

Growing Notes
Kentucky Wonder vines grow 6–9 feet tall and require sturdy support, such as cattle panels, fences, or pole teepees. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod set. Provide 1–2 inches of water per week, applied at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Beans fix their own nitrogen, so fertilizer is rarely needed; a midseason side-dressing of compost is sufficient. Harvest pods often to encourage continuous production.

Pests and Problems
Watch for Mexican bean beetles, Japanese beetles, rose chafers, and aphids. Handpick beetles early in the morning when they’re sluggish and drop them into soapy water. In light infestations, this can keep damage under control. Aphids can be washed off with a strong spray of water or treated with insecticidal soap.

Tip: Rose chafers are particularly active for a few weeks in early summer. They prefer sandy soils and can arrive in large numbers. Floating row covers work well on young bean plants until flowering begins. Encouraging beneficial insects like parasitic wasps also helps reduce populations.

Harvesting
Pick beans when pods are 5–8 inches long, smooth, and tender, before the seeds inside bulge. Hold the stem with one hand while snapping pods off with the other to prevent damaging vines. Harvest frequently to keep the plants flowering and producing until frost.

Storage
Fresh snap beans can be stored unwashed in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days. For long-term storage, blanch and freeze, or pressure can according to USDA guidelines. Kentucky Wonder also freezes well when cut into pieces and packed in freezer bags after blanching.

Seed Saving
Kentucky Wonder is an open-pollinated heirloom and will grow true from saved seed. Select healthy, vigorous plants and allow pods to remain on the vine until fully mature, dry, and tan. Harvest when seeds rattle in the pods. Shell beans and spread them on a screen or tray in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 1–2 additional weeks. Seeds are dry enough when they are hard and cannot be dented with a fingernail, and feel thoroughly dry. Store in airtight containers, such as glass jars or seed saving envelopes, in a cool, dry, and dark place. Properly dried and stored seed remains viable for 2–4 years.

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