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
One of America’s oldest and most beloved pole beans, Kentucky Wonder has earned its reputation through generations of consistent flavor, productivity, and reliability. Vigorous vines climb 6–8 feet and produce abundant clusters of long, slightly curved pods, averaging 7–9 inches in length, that are stringless when young and packed with robust, old-fashioned bean flavor.
The pods are tender and meaty, ideal for fresh eating, canning, or freezing. When dried, the mature seeds make excellent soup beans—versatile and satisfying in every form. Kentucky Wonder thrives in warm weather and keeps producing heavy yields throughout the season, especially when harvested frequently.
Dating back to the mid-1800s and originally known as Old Homestead, this classic heirloom remains a standard for home gardeners and market growers alike. It’s a true “wonder” of the garden—vigorous, dependable, and unmatched in taste and tradition.
Location Selection: Choose a location with full sun for optimal growth. Beans thrive in warm, sunny areas.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter. 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.
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. Beans do not tolerate drought well.
Fertilizing: 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: 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 — Pole Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Once the vines begin to wind skyward, pole beans enter a different rhythm than their bush counterparts. They are marathon producers, not sprinters, thriving on steady support, consistent feeding, and gentle training. These climbing legumes will keep bearing as long as they are cared for with patience and balance.
Training & Trellising
Pole beans need sturdy vertical structure—trellis, fence, pole, or teepee—to rise and breathe. Begin guiding vines early, wrapping them clockwise around supports while still pliable. Left untended, vines may tangle or sprawl, reducing air circulation and harvest quality.
Maintain spacing of 6–8 inches between plants and 3 feet between rows, giving each vine light and airflow. If vines overtake each other midseason, prune lightly at the base to open the canopy. Remove lower leaves touching soil to improve airflow and deter fungus.
Inspect your structure as vines grow—it must bear the combined weight of foliage, pods, and wind sway. A trellis 7–8 feet high with strong crossbars or twine support provides ideal climbing conditions.
Soil & Fertility Management
Pole beans draw nutrients steadily through their long season. Begin with soil rich in organic matter but moderate in nitrogen—excessive feeding encourages leafy growth with little flowering. Instead, top-dress with compost, bone meal, or wood ash to supply phosphorus and potassium for blooms and pods.
As the plants reach midseason height, apply a light side-dress of compost tea or diluted fish emulsion to maintain vitality. Avoid disturbing the roots while doing so—apply around the drip line and water it in gently.
Watering & Mulching
Water deeply and consistently, roughly 1 to 1½ inches per week. Pole beans set pods over a long span, and erratic watering can cause flower drop or fibrous pods. Focus irrigation at the base of the plants, keeping foliage dry to limit disease.
Once vines reach 18 inches, apply 2–3 inches of mulch—straw, shredded leaves, or aged compost—to retain moisture and stabilize temperature. In midsummer heat, mulch also protects root nodules from drying, ensuring steady nitrogen fixation.
Feeding & Midseason Renewal
Unlike bush beans, pole beans respond well to periodic feeding, as they continue blooming for months. Around first flowering, apply compost tea or kelp extract to encourage blossoms and pod set. Repeat every 3–4 weeks through harvest, alternating with plain waterings to flush salts and maintain soil health.
If growth slows midseason, lightly prune tangled or yellowing vines and top-dress with compost. This encourages new lateral shoots that often produce a late-season flush of pods.
Pest & Disease Care
Check foliage weekly for aphids, spider mites, and bean beetles. Early morning handpicking and neem applications can keep populations in check. Maintain airflow through pruning, and rotate bean plantings annually to prevent disease carryover.
For rust or mildew, remove affected leaves promptly. A foliar spray of diluted milk (1:10 ratio) or potassium bicarbonate can suppress fungal spread. Always water early in the day to let vines dry before nightfall.
Harvest & Vigor Maintenance
Pole beans reward consistent harvest. Pick pods every 2–3 days once production begins; do not allow mature pods to remain on vines unless saving seed. Overmature pods divert energy from new flower formation.
Harvesting frequently encourages continuous bloom cycles—often through early autumn. When days shorten, vines may slow but will resume in mild weather with good moisture and feeding.
Late-Season Renewal & Frost Preparation
In late summer, prune back the top 12–18 inches of vines after the main flush. This channels energy into developing lower pods and secondary growth. A compost side-dress followed by deep watering often triggers a final prolific wave of beans.
Before the first frost, cut vines at the soil line rather than pulling them up—this leaves nitrogen-fixing nodules in place, enriching the soil for the next crop.
General Growing Rhythm
Train vines early and prune only lightly for airflow.
Maintain steady moisture and organic feeding throughout the season.
Keep the trellis clear of weeds and lower leaves touching soil.
Harvest often to sustain productivity and plant vigor.
Compost old vines after frost; never till infected residue into soil.
Additional Tips — Pole Bean - Kentucky Wonder (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Harvesting
Pick pods when 6–8 inches long and firm but not tough. Harvest every 2–3 days for tender flavor.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
Classic old-fashioned bean flavor, rich and slightly nutty. Excellent for sautéing, pickling, or slow cooking.
Handling & Storage
Refrigerate fresh pods 34–38°F for up to 7 days. Blanch 2 minutes before freezing.
Growing & Maintenance
Support: Strong trellis or poles 6–8 ft tall.
Soil and feeding: Fertile, well-drained loam.
Watering: 1 inch weekly; even moisture during flowering.
Inoculation: Bean inoculant recommended.
Succession: One sowing yields an extended harvest.
Seed Saving
Allow pods to mature and dry fully on vine. Store seed cool and dry.
Container Tips
Grow 2 vines per 15-gallon pot with trellis support.
Common Pairings in the Garden
Pairs with corn, melons, and squash. Avoid onions.
Extended Season Care
Mulch heavily and water consistently to prevent stringiness.
Common Pests & Problems — Pole Bean – Kentucky Wonder
Insect Pests
Mexican Bean Beetle:
Adults and larvae feed on leaf surfaces, consuming tissue between veins and leaving a lace-like pattern. Handpick beetles and eggs regularly, apply floating row covers early in the season, and remove crop debris after harvest to prevent overwintering.
Aphids:
These small sap-feeding insects cluster on the undersides of leaves and stems, causing curling, distortion, and sticky honeydew residue. Spray off with water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, and attract beneficial insects such as lady beetles and lacewings.
Bean Leaf Beetles:
Chew small, round holes in leaves and may scar pods. Rotate crops annually and use row covers in the early growth stage.
Spider Mites:
Flourish in hot, dry weather, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. Maintain even soil moisture, rinse leaves occasionally, and encourage predatory mites.
Cutworms:
Feed at the soil surface, cutting young plants off at the base. Protect seedlings with collars and keep the garden bed free of weeds.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Anthracnose:
Dark, sunken lesions appear on pods and stems, spreading through splashing water. Use disease-free seed, rotate crops every 3–4 years, and avoid handling plants when wet.
Rust:
Reddish-orange pustules appear on the undersides of leaves, reducing vigor and yield. Remove infected foliage, water at the soil level, and provide good spacing for airflow.
Bacterial Blight (Common and Halo):
Angular brown spots with yellow halos spread rapidly in humid weather. Avoid overhead irrigation, disinfect tools, and remove infected material.
Root and Stem Rot (Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, or Pythium):
Leads to damping off, stunted growth, and root decay in waterlogged soils. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Bean Mosaic Virus:
Causes mottled, curled leaves and stunted plants. Control aphid populations to reduce spread and remove infected plants promptly.
Physiological and Environmental Issues
Poor Pod Set:
High temperatures above 90°F can cause blossoms to drop. Maintain steady watering and mulch to cool the soil.
Cold Soil Germination Failure:
Seeds planted too early may rot. Wait until soil temperatures exceed 65°F before planting.
Water Stress:
Inconsistent watering results in fibrous pods and incomplete seed fill. Provide regular deep watering throughout pod formation.
Nutrient Deficiency:
Yellowing leaves may indicate nitrogen deficiency or poor Rhizobium nodulation. Inoculate seeds before planting and avoid overuse of nitrogen fertilizers.
Integrated Management Tips
Rotate crops every 3–4 years to reduce pest and disease buildup.
Train vines on trellises for better airflow and inspection.
Water early in the day at soil level to prevent leaf wetness.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Remove all plant debris promptly after harvest to limit pest carryover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Pole – Kentucky Wonder Bean
Q: What makes Kentucky Wonder beans unique?
A: Kentucky Wonder is one of America’s oldest and most beloved pole bean varieties. It’s known for its vigorous vines, heavy yields, and long, flavorful pods that remain tender even when full-sized.
Q: Are Kentucky Wonder beans heirloom or hybrid?
A: They are a true heirloom variety, documented since the mid-1800s and treasured for their flavor, productivity, and reliability across generations.
Q: How long do Kentucky Wonder beans take to mature?
A: They mature in about 65–70 days from direct sowing.
Q: What is the growth habit of Kentucky Wonder beans?
A: They are pole-type beans, vigorous climbers that can reach 6–8 feet or more, producing clusters of 7–10 inch pods throughout the season.
Q: What do Kentucky Wonder beans taste like?
A: They have a rich, old-fashioned flavor—robust, slightly sweet, and meaty in texture. The pods are excellent fresh, cooked, or canned.
Q: Are Kentucky Wonder beans stringless?
A: The pods are mostly stringless when harvested young, though strings can develop if left to mature too long.
Q: Are Kentucky Wonder beans good for preserving?
A: Yes. They hold their flavor well when canned or frozen and remain one of the best varieties for long-term preservation.
Q: Are Kentucky Wonder beans disease-resistant?
A: They have natural vigor and moderate resistance to common bean diseases, though good air circulation helps prevent rust and mildew.
Q: How should Kentucky Wonder beans be harvested?
A: Pick when pods are firm, crisp, and about 6–7 inches long. Frequent harvesting promotes continued flowering and pod production.
History & Culture — Pole – Kentucky Wonder Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
The Kentucky Wonder Bean is one of America’s oldest and most enduring pole bean varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris. Its history stretches back to the mid-19th century, though its ancestry lies much deeper in Indigenous cultivation of the common bean throughout the Americas. Originally known as Old Homestead, it was renamed Kentucky Wonder in the late 1800s when it gained national recognition for its exceptional flavor, productivity, and reliability.
This variety likely originated in the American South, where it was grown for generations before being distributed commercially by the Henderson Seed Company in 1877. Its long, tender pods—typically seven to nine inches—set the standard for pole beans for more than a century. Kentucky Wonder’s adaptability to diverse soils and climates made it a cornerstone of small farms and gardens across the country.
While countless modern hybrids trace their lineage to it, Kentucky Wonder remains a living heirloom that represents the transition from regional seedkeeping to national horticultural identity. Its endurance in cultivation for over 150 years speaks to its quality and the skill of the growers who selected and safeguarded it.
Saving seeds from Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris):
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 bean varieties.
Pollinators: Encourage pollinators for better seed production.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the process.
Uses and Benefits:
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a popular heirloom variety known for its long, tender pods and excellent flavor. It is ideal for fresh eating, canning, and freezing.
Beans are a nutritious source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health. Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans are versatile in culinary applications, perfect for steaming, sautéing, and adding to salads and casseroles.
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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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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Bean Seeds - Pole - Kentucky Wonder
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
One of America’s oldest and most beloved pole beans, Kentucky Wonder has earned its reputation through generations of consistent flavor, productivity, and reliability. Vigorous vines climb 6–8 feet and produce abundant clusters of long, slightly curved pods, averaging 7–9 inches in length, that are stringless when young and packed with robust, old-fashioned bean flavor.
The pods are tender and meaty, ideal for fresh eating, canning, or freezing. When dried, the mature seeds make excellent soup beans—versatile and satisfying in every form. Kentucky Wonder thrives in warm weather and keeps producing heavy yields throughout the season, especially when harvested frequently.
Dating back to the mid-1800s and originally known as Old Homestead, this classic heirloom remains a standard for home gardeners and market growers alike. It’s a true “wonder” of the garden—vigorous, dependable, and unmatched in taste and tradition.
