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 staple for soups, chili, and hearty stews, Light Red Kidney is the classic bean prized for its smooth texture, rich flavor, and excellent holding quality. Bushy plants grow 18–24 inches tall, producing long pods filled with large, kidney-shaped beans that dry to a warm brick-red hue.
The beans cook up creamy yet firm, absorbing flavors beautifully without falling apart—ideal for slow-cooked dishes or bean salads. Their mild, meaty taste and high protein content have made them a global kitchen essential.
A descendant of traditional South and Central American kidney types, this variety has been refined over generations for uniform size and dependable performance. Productive, disease-tolerant, and easy to harvest, Light Red Kidney remains the gold standard for reliable yields and exceptional culinary versatility.
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 fully mature and the seeds inside are plump. For dry beans, allow the pods to dry on the plant before harvesting.
How to Grow — Common Bush Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Once your bush beans have sprouted and established their first true leaves, their success depends upon consistent moisture, soil balance, and steady maintenance rather than heavy feeding or pruning. These are quick, productive plants that thrive on moderation and rhythm more than excess.
Soil Health & Root Care
Keep the soil light, open, and evenly moist, never compacted. Bush beans possess shallow, fibrous root systems that suffer from deep cultivation or crusted topsoil. Use mulch or light compost cover to suppress weeds and protect root zones. A half-inch layer of fine compost midseason replenishes nutrients and encourages microbial activity that supports nitrogen fixation at the roots.
Avoid excessive fertilization — bush beans form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria to create their own nitrogen supply. Overfeeding, especially with nitrogen-rich inputs, promotes dense foliage and delays flowering. Instead, focus on soil biology: earthworms, compost, and organic matter.
Watering & Moisture Regulation
Bush beans demand consistent, even watering through flowering and pod development. Supply roughly 1 to 1¼ inches per week, adjusting for rainfall. Deep watering every few days is far superior to frequent shallow sprinkling. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between sessions to encourage deeper rooting.
Water early in the morning so foliage dries quickly, reducing fungal pressure. If irrigation splashes soil onto leaves, mulch with straw, shredded bark, or aged compost to minimize disease spread. Avoid overhead watering once pods set, as this increases the risk of rust and bacterial blight.
Mulching & Temperature Moderation
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch once the plants are 6 inches tall. Mulch regulates moisture, prevents weeds, and keeps soil temperatures stable. In hot regions, straw mulch prevents overheating; in cooler areas, black plastic or fabric mulch retains warmth and speeds growth.
Weed, Pest & Disease Management
Because bush beans mature rapidly, even mild stress can reduce yields. Keep the beds weed-free, especially in the first 4 weeks when roots are shallow. Avoid cultivating too deeply near the stems.
Inspect plants weekly for bean beetles, aphids, and leaf spot. At first signs of damage, use neem oil or insecticidal soap and handpick adults. Encourage beneficial predators like lady beetles and lacewings. Rotate bean crops annually — at least every 3–4 years — to reduce disease buildup in the soil.
For fungal control, ensure air circulation by spacing rows 18–24 inches apart. Remove any yellowing leaves promptly, and water at the base of plants rather than overhead.
Feeding & Midseason Care
After the first flush of blooms, top-dress rows with compost or worm castings. This provides a balanced, slow nutrient release to sustain pod set without excessive leaf growth. Avoid foliar sprays rich in nitrogen; instead, choose potassium- and phosphorus-dominant organic feeds if pods appear sparse.
A compost tea or diluted seaweed extract applied around bloom time boosts resilience and encourages abundant flowering.
Mid- to Late-Season Renewal
Bush beans often produce in waves. After the initial heavy harvest, trim back spent or yellowing foliage slightly and apply a shallow compost top-dress. Water deeply afterward to stimulate new shoots. With this treatment, many varieties yield a secondary flush before frost.
Remove mature pods promptly. Overripe pods on the plant signal completion of the life cycle, causing flowering to slow or cease. By keeping the plants clean and harvested, you extend their vigor and productivity.
General Growing Rhythm
Maintain steady moisture and avoid wide fluctuations.
Keep mulch in place from midseason onward.
Feed lightly but regularly through compost, not fertilizer.
Rotate beans with non-leguminous crops each year.
Remove diseased debris at season’s end to prevent overwintering pathogens.
Additional Tips — Light Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Harvesting
Harvest pods when dry and brittle, and beans rattle freely inside. Avoid picking when damp to prevent mold.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
Classic for chili and soups, with a rich, meaty flavor and firm texture. Maintains shape after simmering, excellent for soaking and stewing.
Handling & Storage
Store dried beans airtight in cool conditions. Cooked beans refrigerate up to 5 days.
Growing & Maintenance
Support: Bush form.
Soil and feeding: Fertile, well-drained loam; compost at planting.
Watering: 1 inch weekly; maintain steady moisture during bloom.
Inoculation: Bean inoculant recommended.
Succession: Single planting usually sufficient.
Seed Saving
Allow pods to dry fully; thresh and winnow. Store dry and cool, viable up to 5 years.
Container Tips
Grow 3 plants per 10-gallon pot; ensure full sunlight.
Common Pairings in the Garden
Good with corn, cucumbers, and carrots. Avoid onions.
Extended Season Care
Mulch deeply and protect from excessive late-season rain.
Common Pests & Problems — Light Red Kidney Bean
Insect Pests
Mexican Bean Beetle:
Adults and larvae feed between leaf veins, skeletonizing foliage. Handpick beetles and eggs regularly, apply floating row covers early, and remove crop debris after harvest to limit overwintering.
Aphids:
Small, sap-sucking insects that cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew residue. Rinse off with water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, and attract beneficial predators like lady beetles.
Seedcorn Maggot:
Larvae burrow into germinating seeds in cool, wet conditions. Avoid early planting and do not apply fresh manure prior to sowing.
Cutworms:
Nocturnal caterpillars that cut young seedlings at the soil surface. Protect seedlings with collars and keep the area weed-free.
Spider Mites:
Cause stippling and yellowing on leaves in hot, dry conditions. Maintain consistent moisture, rinse foliage regularly, and encourage natural predators.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Anthracnose:
Dark lesions appear on pods and stems, spreading rapidly in wet conditions. Use certified disease-free seed, avoid overhead watering, and rotate out of beans for at least three years.
Rust:
Reddish pustules form on leaves, reducing vigor and pod yield. Water at soil level, improve airflow, and remove infected foliage.
Common and Halo Blight:
Angular brown spots with yellow halos develop on leaves and pods. Avoid working plants when wet, sanitize tools, and remove infected debris promptly.
Root and Stem Rot (Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, or Pythium):
Causes damping off, stunted plants, and poor growth in poorly drained soil. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Bean Mosaic Virus:
Mottled, curled leaves and stunted growth indicate infection. Control aphids and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent spread.
Physiological and Environmental Issues
Poor Pod Set:
High heat or drought stress during flowering reduces yield. Maintain even moisture and use mulch to stabilize soil temperature.
Germination Failure:
Cold or saturated soil causes seed rot. Wait until soil temperatures exceed 65°F before sowing.
Nutrient Deficiency:
Yellowing leaves suggest nitrogen shortage or poor Rhizobium activity. Inoculate seeds before planting and avoid over-fertilizing with synthetic nitrogen.
Water Stress:
Irregular watering leads to small or shriveled beans. Provide steady, deep watering throughout flowering and pod fill.
Integrated Management Tips
Rotate kidney beans every 3–4 years with non-legume crops.
Water early in the day at soil level to prevent wet foliage.
Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil splash.
Remove infected plants and debris after harvest.
Inspect plants weekly for aphids, beetles, or early disease symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Light Red Kidney Bean
Q: What makes Light Red Kidney beans unique?
A: Light Red Kidney beans are known for their firm texture and ability to hold shape during long cooking times. Their mild flavor makes them ideal for chili, soups, and Creole dishes such as red beans and rice.
Q: Are Light Red Kidney beans heirloom or hybrid?
A: They are a refined cultivar of Phaseolus vulgaris, developed in the United States in the early 20th century through selection from older red bean landraces.
Q: How long do Light Red Kidney beans take to mature?
A: Maturity occurs in about 90–100 days from direct sowing.
Q: What is the growth habit of Light Red Kidney beans?
A: They are a bush-type dry bean, compact and upright, well suited to both field and garden production.
Q: What do Light Red Kidney beans taste like?
A: They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a firm, meaty texture that holds up well under slow cooking or simmering.
Q: Can Light Red Kidney beans be eaten raw?
A: No. Like all kidney beans, they must be fully cooked before eating, as raw or undercooked beans contain natural toxins (phytohaemagglutinin) that are neutralized through boiling.
Q: Are Light Red Kidney beans good for canning or freezing?
A: They are excellent for canning once fully cooked and can be frozen after blanching or as part of prepared dishes.
Q: How should Light Red Kidney beans be grown?
A: Plant in warm, well-drained soil with full sun. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers to encourage pod production over foliage.
Q: How should Light Red Kidney beans be harvested and stored?
A: Allow pods to dry completely on the plant before shelling. Store beans in a cool, dark, and dry location to maintain quality.
History & Culture — Light Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
The Light Red Kidney Bean is a staple variety of Phaseolus vulgaris with roots in both Indigenous agriculture and modern plant breeding. The common bean was first domesticated in Central and South America over 7,000 years ago, later spreading northward through extensive Indigenous trade networks. By the time Europeans arrived, red beans were already cultivated across the Americas in diverse forms suited to local climates and diets.
The kidney bean type, characterized by its curved shape and firm texture, gained prominence in the Caribbean and Central America before being adopted into European and American cuisines. The light red form was refined in the United States during the early 20th century through agricultural selection aimed at uniformity and disease resistance, particularly for use in canning and commercial food production.
Today, Light Red Kidney Beans are most commonly associated with dishes like chili and Creole red beans and rice, where their ability to retain shape under long cooking makes them ideal. Though modern in refinement, the variety’s lineage remains deeply tied to the ancient Phaseolus cultivars that sustained Indigenous civilizations of the Americas.
Saving seeds from Light Red Kidney Bean (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:
Light Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a staple in many cuisines, known for its large, kidney-shaped beans and rich flavor. It is commonly used in chili, soups, and stews.
Kidney beans are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting overall health. Light Red Kidney Beans are versatile in culinary applications, from chili and soups to salads and side 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 - Bush - Light Red Kidney
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
A staple for soups, chili, and hearty stews, Light Red Kidney is the classic bean prized for its smooth texture, rich flavor, and excellent holding quality. Bushy plants grow 18–24 inches tall, producing long pods filled with large, kidney-shaped beans that dry to a warm brick-red hue.
The beans cook up creamy yet firm, absorbing flavors beautifully without falling apart—ideal for slow-cooked dishes or bean salads. Their mild, meaty taste and high protein content have made them a global kitchen essential.
A descendant of traditional South and Central American kidney types, this variety has been refined over generations for uniform size and dependable performance. Productive, disease-tolerant, and easy to harvest, Light Red Kidney remains the gold standard for reliable yields and exceptional culinary versatility.
