Old Homestead is a wonderful old heritage climbing bean, grown for well over 150 years and valued for its vigorous growth, excellent flavour and long cropping season. The tall climbing plants produce generous clusters of long, fleshy green pods, typically reaching 20–25cm in length. Picked young, the pods are tender and stringless with a rich, traditional bean flavour.
This is a variety with a fascinating history. It can be traced back to at least 1864, when the bean was recorded in America under the name ‘Texas Pole’. In 1877 the seedsman James J. H. Gregory & Sons introduced it as ‘Kentucky Wonder’, the name by which it subsequently became famous. ‘Old Homestead’ and ‘Kentucky Wonder’ are now generally regarded as names for the same historic variety.
Its reputation lasted for good reason. By the beginning of the 20th century Old Homestead had become a firm favourite with home growers, valued for its productivity and flavour. In 1909 American seedsman H. W. Buckbee summed up the variety in just three words: “has no equal”.
Sow under cover from April, planting the young plants outside after all danger of frost has passed, or sow directly outside from May to June once the soil has warmed. Provide sturdy canes, a trellis or other support for the vigorous climbing plants and pick the young pods regularly to encourage continued cropping.
30 seeds per packet.
Annual.
Height: approximately 1.8–2.4m.
Position: Full sun.
Harvest: July to October.
Type: Heritage climbing French bean / pole bean.
Excellent for: Fresh eating, freezing, traditional kitchen gardens and seed saving.
Old Homestead is a wonderful old heritage climbing bean, grown for well over 150 years and valued for its vigorous growth, excellent flavour and long cropping season. The tall climbing plants produce generous clusters of long, fleshy green pods, typically reaching 20–25cm in length. Picked young, the pods are tender and stringless with a rich, traditional bean flavour.
This is a variety with a fascinating history. It can be traced back to at least 1864, when the bean was recorded in America under the name ‘Texas Pole’. In 1877 the seedsman James J. H. Gregory & Sons introduced it as ‘Kentucky Wonder’, the name by which it subsequently became famous. ‘Old Homestead’ and ‘Kentucky Wonder’ are now generally regarded as names for the same historic variety.
Its reputation lasted for good reason. By the beginning of the 20th century Old Homestead had become a firm favourite with home growers, valued for its productivity and flavour. In 1909 American seedsman H. W. Buckbee summed up the variety in just three words: “has no equal”.
Sow under cover from April, planting the young plants outside after all danger of frost has passed, or sow directly outside from May to June once the soil has warmed. Provide sturdy canes, a trellis or other support for the vigorous climbing plants and pick the young pods regularly to encourage continued cropping.
30 seeds per packet.
Annual.
Height: approximately 1.8–2.4m.
Position: Full sun.
Harvest: July to October.
Type: Heritage climbing French bean / pole bean.
Excellent for: Fresh eating, freezing, traditional kitchen gardens and seed saving.
