Tiger's Eye Bush Dried Bean (85 days)
Heirloom Tiger's Eye Beans are beautiful, about the size of a kidney, and dry to a pumpkin color with maroon swirls. Originally from Chile or Argentina, they are also known as Pepa de Zapallo. Use for a fresh shelled bean and drying. They have a soft, creamy texture, tender, thin skin that disappears when cooked, and a hardy, chestnut-like flavor. Good baked and refried, or used in chili and soups. Bush to semi-bush type. Grows 24-36”
1 oz. (approx. 40-55 seeds)
PLANTING
Phaseolus vulgaris
Germination: 4-10 days
Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF
Seed Sowing Depth: 1” deep
Sowing Outdoors: After the last frost with soil temperatures above 60ºF. Sow 2-3” apart. Planting in soil under 60ºF results in poor germination.
How much does a packet plant: 12-15 foot single row
Harvest: Leave beans on the plant until most of the leaves have turned brown and pods are dried and withered. If fall weather is wet or frost threatens the harvest, pull up the plants, and finish drying indoors.
Tips: Grow in light, well-drained soil, and provide adequate, even moisture, especially at flowering time. Dry soil can result in low yields and fibrous pods. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen which results in a surplus of foliage and low, delayed pod growth. Adding inoculant at planting time aids in a larger harvest and more robust plants.