Description
Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Bean (a.k.a. Taylor Long Podded Dwarf Horticultural, Improved Pinto, Shelley Bean, Taylor Horticultural Improved)
50 Seeds per pack
Days to Maturity: 50–75 days
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Planting Instructions for Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bean Seeds
When to Plant
Sow Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Bean seeds outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F, ideally 70–80°F. This heirloom variety is frost-sensitive and should never be planted in cold, wet soil.
Where to Plant
Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid low areas where water collects. A soil pH of 6.0–6.8 is ideal for Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans. Work compost into the soil before planting to improve fertility.
How to Plant
Do not soak seeds before planting. Direct sow seeds 1″ deep, spacing them 2–4″ apart in rows 18–24″ apart. If starting indoors, plant 1–1.5″ deep and harden off before transplanting. Cover seeds lightly with soil.
Growing Notes
Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans grow 14–18″ tall and produce abundant 5–6″ pods that mature from light green to cream with attractive red streaks. Inside are large, oval beans—light tan with maroon mottling—prized for their nutty, robust flavor and creamy texture. Plants are high-yielding, adaptable, and thrive in a variety of garden conditions. Like other beans, they fix nitrogen naturally and rarely require additional fertilizer. Keep soil evenly moist during flowering and pod fill. Apply mulch to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and prevent soil splash.
Succession Planting
Typically grown for dry or shelly beans, producing one main crop. Staggered planting is generally unnecessary unless an extended fresh shelly bean harvest is desired.
Pests and Problems
Watch for Mexican bean beetles, aphids, and fungal or bacterial diseases. Remove affected foliage promptly and rotate crops every 3 years. Avoid handling plants when wet.
Harvesting
For shelly beans, harvest when pods first show red streaks and seeds are plump. For dry beans, harvest when pods are brittle and beans rattle inside.
- Option 1: Pull whole plants and hang in a dry, ventilated space.
- Option 2: In humid areas, pick pods as they dry and finish drying indoors.
Shell by hand or by gently stomping pods in a sack. Winnow to remove chaff. Beans must be fully hard before storage.
Storage
Store dried Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage (5–10 years), use mylar bags or #10 cans with oxygen absorbers.
Cooking Tips
Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans are excellent in soups, chili, casseroles, salads, and burritos. Their nutty flavor and creamy texture shine in both fresh and dry preparations. Soak overnight, boil for 10 minutes, then simmer until tender. Cooked beans freeze well in cooking liquid.
Seed Saving
Select mature, healthy pods for seed. Shell and dry thoroughly before storing in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark location. Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years.
FAQ:
How long does it take Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans to mature?
This variety matures in 50–75 days, depending on whether you harvest as a fresh shelly bean or wait for fully dry beans.
Are Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans good for food kitchen use?
Yes — this heirloom bean is excellent for kitchen use, prized for soups, chili, casseroles, salads, burritos, and other cooked dishes. The beans store well when dried and can be enjoyed fresh or after long-term storage.
When should I plant Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans?
Plant seeds outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 70–80°F. Avoid planting in cold, wet soil to prevent poor germination.
How do I plant Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Bean seeds?
Direct sow seeds 1″ deep, spacing them 2–4″ apart in rows 18–24″ apart. Do not soak seeds before planting. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod fill.
Can Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans grow in containers?
Yes — this compact 14–18″ tall bush variety adapts well to containers, raised beds, and traditional garden plots, provided it receives full sun and well-drained soil.
How do I harvest Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans?
For shelly beans, harvest when pods first show red streaks and seeds are plump. For dry beans, wait until pods are brittle and beans rattle inside, then shell and dry thoroughly before storage.
How should I store dried Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans for food use?
Store fully dried beans in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage of 5–10 years, use mylar bags or #10 cans with oxygen absorbers.
Do Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans save well for next year’s planting?
Yes — save mature, healthy pods for seed. When stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, seeds remain viable for 3–5 years.
What does a shelly bean mean in Taylor Dwarf Horticultural Bush Beans?
A shelly bean is harvested when the pods have started to show red streaks, and the seeds inside are plump but not yet fully dry. At this stage, the beans have a tender texture and rich flavor, perfect for fresh cooking before they reach the dry storage stage.
Michael McFarland (verified owner) –
Your response to my request for seeds was really good.