Black Turtle Bean (Black Bean)

Black Turtle Beans, commonly known as "Black Beans" are small, oval-shaped beans with a shiny, black skin and measuring about 1/4-inch in length. Black beans are rich and hearty and an essential addition to your pantry for nutritious and flavorful meals. Known for their dense, meaty texture and rich, earthy flavor, they are a staple in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. In Cuban cuisine, Black Turtle Beans are famously used in "Frijoles Negros," a traditional black bean soup that is a cornerstone of the country's culinary heritage. Black Turtle Beans have been a dietary staple for over 7,000 years, dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. Black Turtle Beans are rich in anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries, giving them their distinctive black color and numerous health benefits. Perfect for a variety of dishes, Black Turtle Beans can be used in soups, stews, salads, and as a protein and fiber-rich side dish.

Also Known As: Black Bean, Frijol Negro, Turtle Bean, Mexican Black Bean, Spanish Black Bean, Black Beauty Bean, Venezuelan Black Bean, Cuban Black Bean, Sooty Black Bean, Common Black Bean.

Plant Name:	Bean, Black Turtle
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:

Black Turtle 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:

Black Turtle beans are ready for harvest 90 to 120 days after planting when the pods have turned a brown or yellow color and feel dry to the touch. To ensure the beans are fully mature, check that the pods are brittle and the beans inside rattle when shaken. If rain is expected, it is best to pull the plants and hang them upside down in a warm, dry location to continue drying. After the beans have fully dried, remove the pods by hand or with a gentle thump, and then shell the beans. Once harvested, store the dried black turtle beans in a cool, dry, and airtight container.