Rattlesnake beans, also known as "Preacher Beans," are a resilient pole variety producing 7-8 inch dark green pods streaked with purple. These beans thrive in hot, dry conditions, making them ideal for drought-prone areas. With a fine bean flavor and drought tolerance, Rattlesnake beans are versatile for both fresh and dried use, adding beauty and taste to any garden.
Key Features
- Drought Tolerant: Thrives in dry conditions.
- Unique Appearance: Dark green pods with purple streaks.
- Strong Flavor: Adds depth to fresh or dried dishes.
Pole Bean Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow pole bean seeds outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 60°F, typically in late spring after the last frost date.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Pole beans prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, incorporating compost or a balanced fertilizer to improve nutrient levels and drainage.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them about 6 inches apart along the base of a trellis, pole, or support structure.
- Space rows 24-36 inches apart to allow room for climbing and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Not necessary, as seeds are spaced for mature plants.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7-10 days. Once established, water deeply and evenly, especially during flowering and pod formation.
General Care Tips for Pole Beans
- Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and pod formation. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Pole beans are light feeders. Enrich soil with compost at planting; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can reduce bean production.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps control weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
- Supporting Pole Beans: Provide a sturdy trellis, pole, or other vertical support for pole beans to climb, improving air circulation and making harvesting easier.
