How To Grow Mennonite Dry Pole Beans

Originally acquired from Sauk River Seed, this is an heirloom bean, which I have been maintaining for some years now.  The Mennonite pole bean has proven to be one of my heartiest of the common pole beans.  Even under drought conditions, this bean has proven to produce more and be healthier than any other common pole bean in my inventory, if given a minimum of water and care.  Under ideal conditions, this is an outstanding producer.  Best used as a dry, or shell bean, The Mennonite bean has an excellent nutty taste, makes excellent eating, and is an excellent substitute for pinto beans.

Except for larger size, very like the Czechoslovakian “Honey” pole bean and another bean known in Minnesota as the “Swedish”, but outperforms both.  The young pods can be canned fresh, in the upper Midwest Mennonites, traditionally, allow them to dry on the vine until frost, then store them for winter cooking.

This bean is sturdy and disease-resistant, requiring a strong trellis or fence.  Continues to produce until the first frost.

Mennonite Dry Pole Beans, also known as Mennonite beans, are a type of heirloom bean that is often grown for their excellent flavor and suitability for drying. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow them:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a location in your garden that receives full sun, as beans require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Prepare the Soil: Mennonite Dry Pole Beans thrive in well-drained, loamy soil. Work the soil to a depth of at least 6-8 inches, removing rocks, weeds, and other debris. You can also amend the soil with compost to improve its fertility.
3. Support Structures: Pole beans, including Mennonite Dry Pole Beans, are climbers and need support. You can use trellises, stakes, or bean poles. Make sure the support structure is in place before planting.
4. Planting: Plant Mennonite Dry Pole Beans once the danger of frost has passed. In most regions, this is in the late spring or early summer. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows. If you’re using a trellis or support structure, space the rows about 3 feet apart.
5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
6. Mulch: Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants will help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain more even soil temperatures.
7. Fertilization: Beans typically don’t require heavy fertilization. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, you can apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer before planting. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote foliage growth at the expense of bean production.
8. Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common bean pests like aphids, bean beetles, and aphids. Regularly inspect your plants and use appropriate organic or chemical treatments if necessary. Bean plants can also suffer from diseases like rust and powdery mildew. Planting disease-resistant varieties can help prevent these issues.
9. Harvesting: Mennonite Dry Pole Beans are typically ready for harvest 70-90 days after planting. Harvest the beans when they are dry and brittle on the vine. If you want to use them as green beans, pick them when they are still young and tender.
10. Drying: To save Mennonite Dry Pole Beans for later use, let the beans dry on the vine. This will take several weeks. Once they are dry, remove the beans from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place in airtight containers.
11. Saving Seeds: If you want to save seeds for the next year, be sure to choose the healthiest and most vigorous beans for seed production. Allow these beans to fully mature on the vine, then harvest, dry, and store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

Mennonite Dry Pole Beans are known for their rich flavor and adaptability. By following these steps, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these delicious beans and even save seeds for future plantings.

Year Introduced: 1864

Status: Heirloom

Size: Very large; up to ½ inch.

Color: Light coffee or dark tan

Type: Dry/Shell

Good as Green Beans: Not Really

Sun: plant in full sun

Soil Type:  most soils are fine

Emerges: 7-10 days

Edible: in 69 days

Habit: Pole

Seed Shape: A compact almost rectangular

Pod Length:  9 inches

Vine Height:  six to ten feet

Maturity: 90 days

Genealogy: Phaseolus vulgaris