Rattlesnake Bean (Pole)

Rattlesnake Pole Bean features striking purple and green speckled pods that not only adds a splash of color to your garden, but also boasts a delicious, rich flavor that stands out from other beans. Named for appearing like snake-like coils around the vine, these 6-8-inch-long pods grow from stunning purple flowers on vigorous climbing vines. This a unique heirloom variety produces an abundant harvest of tender, stringless beans that are perfect for steaming, sauteing, and beautiful tan and dark-brown speckled seeds for soups and stews. Rattlesnake Pole Beans are known for their excellent disease resistance, making them a reliable choice for gardeners who want high-quality crops without the worry of pests and common bean diseases. The beans mature in 60 to 75 days, offering a quick and rewarding crop, and thrive in warm, sunny conditions with minimal maintenance. The beans are versatile in cooking, delicious fresh, and even more flavorful when preserved for winter meals.

Also Known As: Rattlesnake Bean, Red Rattlesnake Bean, Dragon Tongue Bean, Pole Rattlesnake Bean, Scarlet Runner Bean, Tongue of Fire Bean, Painted Lady Bean, Striped Pole Bean, Cherokee Bean, Wild Rattlesnake Bean.

Plant Name:	Bean, Rattlesnake
Latin Name:	Phaseolus vulgarus
Days to Germinate:	6-10
Days to Harvest:	65
Plant Height:	6 - 8 Feet
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	3-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Rattlesnake pole beans grow best in temperatures between 70F-85F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant Rattlesnake beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 10-12 weeks before the first frost. Plant pole beans in hills about 3 feet apart in the row, placing a 6-8-foot stake in the center of each hill. Plant  3-4 seeds around the stake about 1 inch deep in the soil. If choosing to thin to the strongest plants, plant 4-5 seeds around stakes, determine the strongest and healthiest plants, then remove all other plants, narrowing to 3-4 plants per stake. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	3 feet, stake
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once plants start forming pods, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Rattlesnake pole beans can be harvested when the pods are 6 to 8 inches long and still tender, about 60 to 70 days after planting. For the best texture and flavor, pick them before the beans inside become too large and the pods start to bulge. To harvest, gently hold the vine with one hand and use the other to snap or cut the pod off to avoid damaging the plant. Regular harvesting every 2 to 3 days encourages continuous production throughout the growing season. If left on the vine too long, the pods will become tough and fibrous. For dry beans, allow the pods to remain on the plant until they turn brown and dry, then collect and shell them.