Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
A Haudenosaunee–stewarded heirloom of the scarlet runner bean, Bear Paw marries show-stopping beauty with generous yields and cool-season vigor. Vines climb 8–10 feet and cover trellises in brilliant scarlet blossoms that draw bees and hummingbirds, followed by long, slightly flattened pods 7–9 inches long. Harvest young for tender, flavorful snap beans, or let pods mature for plump “shellies” and large, richly colored dry beans with a full, nutty taste.
Originally domesticated in the highlands of Central America, scarlet runner beans were grown in early U.S. gardens and recorded by Thomas Jefferson in 1812; many seedkeepers trace Bear Paw lines to Haudenosaunee growers, with some accounts linking their circulation to exchanges in the Jeffersonian era, though direct documentation of a personal “gift” remains unconfirmed. What is clear is the living record: a resilient, ornamental-edible pole bean that thrives in cooler summers, fixes nitrogen, and brings both color and sustenance to Haudenosaunee agriculture and beyond.
Can't wait to get them planted. Everything arrived safely and swiftly. Thank you, Alliance of Native Seedkeepers 🥰
Planting Instructions:
Location Selection: Choose a location with full sun for optimal growth. Runner beans thrive in warm, sunny areas.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter. Runner beans prefer loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sowing Seeds:
Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors in late spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Provide a trellis or support for the vines to climb.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil during this period.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Runner beans do not tolerate drought well.
Fertilizing: Runner beans generally do not require much fertilization as they fix their own nitrogen. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod production.
Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pests and Diseases: Runner beans can be affected by pests such as aphids, bean beetles, and diseases like powdery mildew. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with appropriate organic or chemical controls are recommended.
Special Considerations:
Harvesting: Harvest beans when the pods are young and tender for the best flavor. Regular picking encourages continued production.
How to Grow — Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus)
Runner beans, though kin to common beans, are creatures of cooler air and gentle moisture. They bear lush vines and vivid flowers that draw pollinators in abundance. Their care centers on steady water, rich soil, and constant harvesting to sustain bloom and vigor.
Soil & Fertility Management
Runner beans prosper in fertile, moisture-retentive loam, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0). Their deep roots appreciate loosened subsoil and consistent organic matter. Before planting, blend 3–4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top foot of soil.
As vines develop, side-dress with compost or diluted fish emulsion every 3–4 weeks through midseason. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers — lush foliage hinders bloom. The roots form nitrogen-fixing nodules, so feeding should lean toward phosphorus and potassium to encourage flowering and pod fill.
Watering & Moisture Regulation
Unlike common beans, runners crave constant soil moisture. Water deeply two or three times a week, ensuring the top 6 inches remain moist at all times. Inconsistent watering leads to flower drop and stringy pods.
Mulch early with 3 inches of straw, leaf mold, or compost to stabilize soil temperature and retain moisture. In dry or windy weather, additional shade netting or windbreaks prevent stress during bloom.
Temperature & Climate Considerations
Runner beans thrive between 60–80°F (15–27°C) and set pods poorly in extreme heat above 90°F. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade or grow where air circulation moderates temperature.
These vines tolerate mild frost better than common beans but prefer sheltered, moist conditions. In regions with long summers, they may bloom again in late season when temperatures cool.
Support & Training
Provide tall, sturdy supports 7–9 feet high, as vines can easily exceed that length. Pole teepees, trellis netting, or tall fences work well. Train young shoots upward clockwise.
Once vines climb, prune off tangled or ground-level shoots to maintain airflow. Dense growth invites fungal disease and hinders harvest.
Feeding & Midseason Renewal
At first bloom, apply compost tea or kelp solution to invigorate pod formation. When the first heavy flush subsides, prune lightly and feed again with compost to prompt new flowering.
If leaves pale midseason, sprinkle wood ash or rock phosphate around the root zone to restore mineral balance.
Pollination & Fruit Set
Runner beans rely on pollinating insects—notably bumblebees—for pod set. Avoid insecticides during bloom. To increase yield in low-pollinator conditions, hand-pollinate by brushing a soft artist’s brush between flowers each morning.
In heat or drought, mist vines lightly at dawn to raise humidity around flowers, aiding pollen viability.
Pest & Disease Management
Watch for aphids, slugs, and spider mites. Aphids often cluster near tender growth; pinch or wash them away with a firm water stream. Slugs can be deterred with copper tape or beer traps at soil level.
Prevent mildew and rust by keeping foliage dry, ensuring wide spacing, and watering at the base. Rotate crops yearly to fresh ground, avoiding sites that previously held beans or peas.
Harvest & Late-Season Care
Pick pods when young, smooth, and firm—typically 6–8 inches long. Harvest every 2–3 days to encourage continuous flowering. Overmature pods toughen quickly and slow future production.
In cooler regions, runner beans often outlast common beans into early autumn. Before frost, pick all remaining pods and store dry beans if desired.
After frost, cut vines at the base rather than pulling them, allowing nitrogen nodules to enrich the soil for the following crop.
General Growing Rhythm
Keep soil consistently moist and cool, never dry.
Feed modestly, favoring organic matter over fertilizer.
Harvest young pods often for tenderness and vigor.
Maintain tall supports and prune for airflow.
Rotate crops to preserve soil and prevent disease.
Harvesting
Pick pods young and tender at 6–8 inches for best flavor. For dry beans, let pods mature and dry fully on the vine.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
Tender, slightly sweet, and nutty. Excellent steamed, stir-fried, or added to soups. Dry beans have a chestnut-like richness.
Handling & Storage
Store fresh pods unwashed at 38°F for up to 6 days. Dried beans keep several years sealed and cool.
Growing & Maintenance
Support: Needs trellis or poles 7–9 ft tall.
Soil and feeding: Fertile, moisture-retentive soil with compost.
Watering: 1–1½ inches weekly.
Inoculation: Runner bean inoculant recommended.
Succession: Single sowing sufficient for extended harvest.
Seed Saving
Allow pods to dry on vine; shell and store seed cool and dry.
Container Tips
Grow 2 vines per 15-gallon pot with tall trellis.
Common Pairings in the Garden
Pairs with corn, cucumbers, and sunflowers. Avoid onions.
Extended Season Care
Provide mulch to keep soil cool and moist through heat.
Common Pests & Problems — Pole Bean – Runner – Bear Paw
Insect Pests
Aphids:
Common on runner beans, these soft-bodied insects cluster on new growth, sucking sap and secreting honeydew that attracts ants and sooty mold. Spray off with water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, and encourage natural predators like lady beetles and lacewings.
Bean Leaf Beetles:
Chew round holes in leaves and occasionally scar pods. Rotate crops each year, use floating row covers during early growth, and remove debris after harvest to interrupt their life cycle.
Cutworms:
Feed at the soil surface, cutting down seedlings at night. Protect young plants with cardboard collars and keep garden beds weed-free to eliminate hiding spots.
Spider Mites:
Flourish in hot, dry weather, causing stippling, bronzing, and premature leaf drop. Maintain steady soil moisture and rinse leaves periodically to discourage infestations.
Thrips:
Feed on flowers and developing pods, leading to scarring and reduced seed formation. Keep plants well-watered and promote beneficial insects such as predatory mites.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Rust:
Common in runner beans, causing orange-brown pustules on the undersides of leaves. Remove infected leaves promptly, water at soil level, and improve spacing to increase airflow.
Anthracnose:
Dark, sunken lesions form on pods and stems, spreading through splashing rain. Use certified disease-free seed, avoid handling wet plants, and rotate crops every 3–4 years.
Root and Stem Rot (Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, or Pythium):
Causes damping off, yellowing, and stunted growth in poorly drained soils. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Bacterial Blight:
Angular brown spots with yellow margins appear on leaves, especially in humid weather. Avoid overhead irrigation, disinfect tools, and remove infected material.
Powdery Mildew:
Appears as white, powdery spots on upper leaf surfaces during humid periods. Increase airflow, water early in the morning, and apply neem oil or sulfur dust if necessary.
Physiological and Environmental Issues
Heat Sensitivity:
Runner beans prefer cooler growing conditions and may drop blossoms during prolonged heat above 85°F. Maintain consistent watering and provide partial shade during extreme heat.
Poor Pollination:
Flowers may drop without setting pods if pollinators are scarce. Encourage bees and other pollinators by planting nearby nectar plants.
Water Stress:
Irregular watering causes pod deformities and poor seed fill. Keep soil evenly moist and mulch to retain water.
Nutrient Deficiency:
Yellowing leaves often indicate nitrogen shortage or poor Rhizobium nodulation. Inoculate seeds before planting and use organic amendments for balanced nutrition.
Integrated Management Tips
Rotate runner beans every 3–4 years with non-legumes.
Train vines on trellises or poles for proper airflow and sunlight.
Water early in the morning at the soil base to keep foliage dry.
Mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Remove plant debris promptly after harvest to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.
Q: What makes Bear Paw beans unique?
A: Bear Paw is a historic runner-type bean associated with Haudenosaunee agricultural tradition. It produces large, colorful seeds and showy blossoms, with pods that are both ornamental and edible when young.
Q: Are Bear Paw beans heirloom or hybrid?
A: They are a traditional heirloom variety, believed to have been cultivated by Haudenosaunee growers since the 18th or early 19th century. Some accounts suggest it may have been introduced to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy through Thomas Jefferson’s exchanges or carried north by Tuscarora seedkeepers.
Q: How long do Bear Paw beans take to mature?
A: Maturity typically occurs in 90–100 days, depending on growing conditions.
Q: What is the growth habit of Bear Paw beans?
A: They are pole-type runner beans, vigorous climbers that can reach 8–10 feet tall and require sturdy trellising or poles for support.
Q: What do Bear Paw beans taste like?
A: The young pods are tender and flavorful, while mature beans have a deep, nutty, and hearty taste when cooked.
Q: Are Bear Paw beans ornamental?
A: Yes. Their bright flowers and large mottled seeds make them both decorative and productive in gardens.
Q: Can Bear Paw beans handle cooler temperatures?
A: Runner beans generally prefer cooler summers and steady moisture, but Bear Paw is more adaptable than most, tolerating moderate heat and humidity.
Q: What is the cultural significance of Bear Paw beans?
A: The bean’s name and history are tied to Haudenosaunee symbolism, where the bear represents strength, healing, and protection. It remains a meaningful variety within Indigenous agricultural heritage.
Q: How should Bear Paw beans be harvested?
A: Harvest young pods for fresh use or allow them to mature and dry for storage. Dry beans should be shelled and stored in a cool, dry location.
History & Culture — Pole – Bear Paw Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
The Bear Paw Runner Bean is a culturally significant variety with deep ties to both Indigenous and early American agricultural traditions. Its origins lie in the lineage of runner beans domesticated in the highlands of Mesoamerica thousands of years ago. These beans, distinct from the common bean, were prized for their vigorous growth, cool-weather tolerance, and large, richly flavored seeds.
The variety known as Bear Paw carries a name of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) origin, symbolizing strength, renewal, and the enduring connection between people and the land. Oral tradition within some Haudenosaunee communities recalls that this bean, or one of its ancestral forms, was shared as part of early exchanges between Indigenous farmers and Thomas Jefferson in the early 19th century—possibly gifted to the Haudenosaunee following Jefferson’s experiments with New World legumes at Monticello.
Its vines produce broad leaves, vibrant blossoms, and large seeds that reflect the distinct genetic heritage of early American runner beans. The continued preservation of Bear Paw in Haudenosaunee and Northeastern seed circles honors both its cultural symbolism and its long history of travel, exchange, and stewardship across nations.
Saving seeds from Bear Paw Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus):
1. Selecting Plants for Seed Saving:
Choose healthy plants with vigorous growth and abundant pods.
Avoid plants showing signs of disease or poor growth.
2. Harvesting Seeds:
Timing: Allow the pods to mature and dry on the plant.
Collection: Harvest the dry pods on a dry day.
3. Drying Seeds:
Place the pods in a well-ventilated, dry area. Allow them to dry completely for one to two weeks.
4. Cleaning Seeds:
Separation: Shell the dry pods to release the seeds.
Inspection: Ensure seeds are clean and free from mold or pests.
5. Storing Seeds:
Containers: Store seeds in labeled paper envelopes or airtight containers.
Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Viability: Use seeds within two to three years for best results.
6. Testing Seed Viability:
Test by placing seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in a warm place and check for germination.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving:
Isolation: Maintain distance between different runner bean varieties.
Pollinators: Encourage pollinators for better seed production.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the process.
Uses and Benefits:
Bear Paw Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus) is a unique variety known for its striking red flowers and large, flavorful beans. It is often used in soups, stews, and salads.
Runner beans provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health. Bear Paw Runner Beans are versatile in culinary applications, adding both flavor and visual appeal to dishes.
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Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
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We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!
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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Bean Seeds - Pole - Runner - Bear Paw Runner
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
A Haudenosaunee–stewarded heirloom of the scarlet runner bean, Bear Paw marries show-stopping beauty with generous yields and cool-season vigor. Vines climb 8–10 feet and cover trellises in brilliant scarlet blossoms that draw bees and hummingbirds, followed by long, slightly flattened pods 7–9 inches long. Harvest young for tender, flavorful snap beans, or let pods mature for plump “shellies” and large, richly colored dry beans with a full, nutty taste.
Originally domesticated in the highlands of Central America, scarlet runner beans were grown in early U.S. gardens and recorded by Thomas Jefferson in 1812; many seedkeepers trace Bear Paw lines to Haudenosaunee growers, with some accounts linking their circulation to exchanges in the Jeffersonian era, though direct documentation of a personal “gift” remains unconfirmed. What is clear is the living record: a resilient, ornamental-edible pole bean that thrives in cooler summers, fixes nitrogen, and brings both color and sustenance to Haudenosaunee agriculture and beyond.
