Beans, Black Turtle
a Beans, Black Turtle
Heirloom. Organic. This old heirloom variety was introduced in the late 1700's, and has beautiful, jet black seeds. Black Turtle variety bean are heat resistant, a good disease tolerance. The black turtle bean is a small black bean. They turn from black to a dark brown color when cooked. This is a common bean in South America and is well known bean in China where it is fermented for many uses. High in iron and protein. They cook quickly in 1-1/2 hours. They are often served in thick soups with rice. Makes a nice black bean dip. This bean is a basic staple for many Mexican, Caribbean dishes. Spread from South America to Asia and Africa in the late 1700's by Spanish and Portuguese traders, Black Beans have just recently come to popularity in America and the UK. These vividly attractive beans are tasty and healthy. Researchers have found that these fiber, iron, and protein rich legumes improve digestive and hearth health. Beans are mature when 90% of leaves have fallen from plants and beans have turned from white to black.
Planting Black Turtle Beans
While starting seeds of the Black Turtle Beans is not necessarily difficult, the right conditions will make the process successful. Sow Black Turtle Beans seeds directly in the ground in the spring when the threat of frost has passed or start in containers several weeks before transplanting into soil. Keep the ground moist but not wet for the first couple of weeks. Pick a sunny, well-drained spot for planting for the best performance. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Black Turtle Beans are splendid for growing up fences or a cage. They will rapidly cover cages or can be made into their own garden feature with stakes and twine. They don't have to grow up. They're just as effective as trailers from hanging baskets and window boxes. Black Turtle Beans plants need regular watering. Height: 5 feet tall and 1 foot wide Days to harvest—90 Days
Spacing: 12-18" inches Depth: 1-2 inch Germination: 5-10 days
Starting from Seed Indoors
I normally do not start beans indoors, but you can have some success with transplanting. Generally, the time to start your seeds is about 6- 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area, planting the seedlings outdoors about 2 weeks after that date. Another way to figure is to plan on setting out sturdy seedlings in the garden when night temperatures stay in the mid-50 degree range both day and night. Count back and sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before that date normally arrives. Place a few seeds (5 to 10) into each pot and push them into the soil with your finger. Cover the seeds to a depth of approximately 1-2 inches of the potting mix. Mist each pot with water until the soil appears moist. Place the pots in an area which will provide both light (which is required for germination) and heat, preferably about 65 to 70 degrees F and at least 8 hours of light each day. Check on the seeds every day and keep the seeds damp but not drenched by misting with your plant mister. You should see sprouting in about 5 to 10 days. Once your seedlings have reached about 4 to 6 inches in height, choose an area in your garden to transfer them. You can also use containers like barrels or clay pots. Dig holes twice the width and depth of each of your pots. Fill up each hole with water then let it drain off. Place a pot in the hole center and level so that your seedling is at the same level as the surrounding soil. Push dirt in carefully all the way to fill the hole back up. Water each seedling carefully so as not to soak the leaves or stem.
Direct-seeding into the Garden
Turn over the area you've selected to a depth of approximately 4 inches. Rake the area until it's level and smooth. Water the area until the soil is damp but not saturated. Scatter the seeds in the area. Gently rake the area to distribute the seeds further and protect them from birds. Or, press the seeds into the soil and cover with no more than 1-2 inches of soil. You can also place 2 to 3 seeds every 3 to 4 inches in rows approximately 12-18 inches apart, and cover seeds with 1-2 inches of soil. Place planting stakes around the area so you will know where to water. Check on your seeds about once a day. Make sure to mist the soil whenever it appears dry. Germination for Black Turtle Beans plants is approximately 5 to 10 days, depending on the warmth of the soil.
Germination Problems
Growing plants from seeds successfully depends on a lot of factors and this makes it impossible to guarantee success on every batch of seeds planted. Factors include, soil composition, PH, temperature, moisture levels, seed depth, soil density, seed viability, seed storage and many others. We tested the germination of all our seeds and this seed variety is around 80%, but your results may vary based on exactly how you plant and all the environmental factors. Good luck.