Italian Pole Bean

A vigorous and productive climbing bean known for its sweet, tender green pods, reaching up to 6 inches long. Highly versatile, the pods are delicious fresh, steamed, or stir-fried, and when allowed to dry, the white beans make an excellent addition to hearty dishes. This variety climbs quickly, maximizing vertical garden space. Its robust growth habit and prolific yields make it ideal for smaller gardens, trellises, or vertical gardening methods.

Where Can You Grow Italian Pole Bean?
Italian Pole Bean grows well in Zones 3-9, preferring full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Ideal for gardens, trellises, fences, and small-space gardening.

History and Historical Uses
This heirloom variety has an interesting local heritage, originating from seeds shared by our neighbour, who received them from an Italian neighbour who brought a handful when immigrating to Canada. Appreciated for generations for their sweet flavour, tender texture, and culinary versatility, Italian Pole Beans remain a treasured family variety with strong cultural roots.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Direct sow seeds after the last frost; harvest beans from midsummer through autumn.
Zones 5-7: Sow directly outdoors after frost danger has passed; harvest pods continuously through summer.
Zones 3-4: Direct sow outdoors once soil warms; beans mature steadily throughout summer into early autumn.

How to Grow and Harvest Italian Pole Bean

• Planting: Direct sow seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep, 8-10cm (3-4in) apart; provide sturdy vertical support or trellis.
• Watering: Regular watering ensures continuous growth and pod formation; avoid overhead watering.
• Harvesting: Harvest tender green pods regularly for continuous yield; allow pods to mature and dry on the vine for dry beans.
• Maintenance: Minimal; provide climbing support, and mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

• Select Pods: Allow beans to fully mature and dry on the vine until pods become crisp and brown.
• Harvest Seeds: Remove dry pods from plants, shell beans, and discard damaged or discoloured seeds.
• Dry and Store: Ensure seeds are fully dry before storing; store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
• Store: Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 4 years.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)