Shirohana-mame Seeds – Japanese White Flower Pole Bean (8" Pods)

The Heirloom Bean You Won’t Find at Any Store

Shirohana-mame (白花豆) — literally “White Flower Bean” in Japanese — is one of the most sought-after heirloom pole beans in traditional Japanese mountain farming. Named for its stunning white blooms, this runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) produces enormous pods stretching up to 8 inches, filled with large, creamy, delicious beans. Cultivated for generations in the cool mountain valleys of Nagano, Gifu, Tohoku, and Hokkaido, it requires hand-harvesting and can’t be mechanized — making it a true small-farm treasure rarely found outside Japan or specialty growers.

Why Grow Shirohana-mame

• Rare Japanese heirloom — virtually unavailable in commercial markets
• Huge, flavorful 8" pods on vigorous climbing vines
• Beautiful white flowers — ornamental and edible
• Matures in approx. 80 days; sprouts in 7–14 days
• Originally from Central America; treasured in Japanese alpine cuisine
• Very easy to grow

In the Kitchen

Use Shirohana-mame as you would large butter beans or runner beans — in soups, stews, rice dishes, and alongside braised meats. The large seeds have a rich, creamy texture and a flavor that bridges snap beans and dried beans. A premium ingredient for any table.

Growing Guide

• Season: Late spring to early summer (direct sow)
• Support: Requires sturdy poles or a trellis — vines are vigorous and heavy
• Germination: 7–14 days
• Maturity: Approx. 80 days
• Climate: Originally from Central America; thrives where summers are warm to cool