White Navy Bean

Navy Beans are nourishing and nutritious! These small, ivory-white beans are a staple in many kitchens, prized for their mild, creamy flavor and smooth texture. They are a perfect addition to hearty soups, stews, chili, and casseroles, , adding a wholesome touch to every meal. These beans also shine in salads, dips, and spreads. Navy Beans are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. The beans store beautifully, allowing you to enjoy your homegrown harvest throughout the year. Navy Beans' disease resistance and ability to thrive in diverse growing conditions, make them an easy and low-maintenance crop. Growing Navy Beans in your garden not only provides a healthier, fresher alternative to store-bought options but also gives you the satisfaction of cultivating a truly versatile and valuable kitchen staple.

Also Known As: White Beans, Great Northern Beans, Cannellini Beans, Yankee Beans, Pea Beans, Boston Beans, Haricot Beans, Pearl Beans, Stew Beans, Pork and Beans.

Plant Name:	Bean, White Navy
Latin Name:	Phaseolus vulgarus
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	60-90
Plant Height:	18 - 24 Inches
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
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 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Navy beans grow best in temperatures between 65F-85F. Direct-sowing is recommended. Plant 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 7-9 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 4 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, plant 2-3 seeds per hole, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	4 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

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:

Navy beans can be harvested 90 to 120 days after planting when the pods have turned yellow and dry on the vine. For fresh shelling beans, harvest when the pods are plump but still slightly green. However, for dry beans, allow the pods to fully mature and dry on the plant before harvesting. To collect the beans, pull the entire plant from the ground or pick the pods individually. If rain is expected, uproot the plants and hang them in a dry, well-ventilated area to finish drying. Once fully dry, shell the beans by breaking open the pods and removing the seeds. Store the dried beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, where they will remain viable for months.