Zuni Shalako Bush Bean Seeds | Heirloom

Grow Zuni Shalako, an heirloom bean associated with the American Southwest. Sometimes called Prairie Appaloosa for its patterned seeds, this compact bush bean can be harvested at several stages: pick young pods, shell plump fresh beans, or let the crop mature for dry beans that take on the flavors of a hearty stew.

At a glance

• Type: Bush bean; occasional runners may appear
• Plant height: Approximately 20–24 inches
• Harvest timing: Around 50 days for green pods, 60–65 days for fresh shell beans, or 75 days for dry beans
• Kitchen use: Fresh beans or dry beans for soups and Southwestern-style dishes
• Available sizes: 30 or 100 seeds

Planting and care

Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm; cool, damp soil can cause bean seeds to rot. Choose a sunny bed with loose, well-drained soil. Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart, then water the soil gently and keep it moist through germination. For a longer harvest, sow another small planting about two weeks later if your season allows.

Harvest and enjoy

Pick young pods before they become tough. For fresh shell beans, wait until the beans fill the pods; for dry beans, let the pods turn dry and crisp before shelling and storing. Imagine a pot of homegrown Zuni Shalako beans simmered with chile and vegetables on a cool evening.