1500 Year Old Cave Beans arranged on a white background.
A macro close-up view of 1500 Year Old Cave Beans in a pod and loose.
A close-up view of dried 1500 Year Old Cave Beans on weathered wood.
1500 Year Old Cave Beans arranged on a white background.
A macro close-up view of 1500 Year Old Cave Beans in a pod and loose.
A close-up view of dried 1500 Year Old Cave Beans on weathered wood.

Bean Seeds,
1500 Year Old Cave

4.151 Reviews#BN177 · 20 seeds
Price
Regular price $4.00
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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris) Pole bean. This remarkable pole bean is said to have been discovered deep in a New Mexico cave, tucked inside a clay pot and sealed with pitch—protected from the world for centuries, and later carbon dated to 1,500 years old. The long, climbing vines reach up to 10 feet and produce a steady set of pods. Inside, the large, kidney-shaped beans marbled in maroon and white are as beautiful as they are historic. The flavor tells the story of this rare collector's bean!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
95–110
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6–10 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant the 1500-Year-Old Cave beans outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 F. This typically corresponds to late spring to early summer, depending on your USDA hardiness zone. It isn’t frost-hardy and prefers 70-80 F. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Preparation: Soak seeds overnight before planting to encourage germination.

Planting: Sow seeds about 1/2 to 1 inch deep in the soil. Space the plants 6 to 10 inches apart, and use a trellis or pole for support. For row planting, maintain a distance of 60 cm (24 inches) between rows.

Conditions: Ensure the planting site is in full sun and the soil is well-drained. Sprouts usually appear in 5 to 8 days.

How to Grow

Use a trellis or poles to support the climbing vines, which can reach heights of up to 10 feet. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the flowering period, but avoid overwatering. For fresh beans, harvest when pods are young and tender. For dry beans, allow the pods to mature fully on the vine before picking. Harvest frequently to keep plants productive.

How to Save Seeds

  • Common beans do not easily cross pollinate and can be grown close to one another, making them the ideal seed-saving project for beginners.
  • Save seeds from the best-looking, best-tasting, and most vigorous beans.
  • Leave pods on the plant to dry. Pull the plants and shake them vigorously into a bag to release the beans from the pods (same as you would for using them as dried beans).
  • Store in a cool, dry place for the winter (a glass jar in the refrigerator works well!).

FAQ

Can I grow 1500-Year-Old Cave beans in containers?

Yes, provided you use a large container with a support structure such as a trellis or poles, and ensure the soil remains well-drained and consistently moist.

How long does it take for 1500-Year-Old Cave beans to mature?

The beans typically take about 95 to 110 days to mature.

How do I get better germination?

Ensure soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F during planting, as cooler temperatures can hinder germination. Additionally, soaking the seeds before planting can improve germination rates.

Are these 1500-Year-Old Cave beans suitable for all climates?

While adaptable, the 1500-Year-Old Cave beans grow best in warm climates with plenty of sunshine. In cooler climates, starting seeds indoors before transplanting outdoors after the last frost can improve success rates.

Browse our full range of bean seeds.

Customer reviews

4.1 / 5 51 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heavy producer: Quarts of dry beans from a few plants once it gets going.

  • Superb dry bean: Rich, pinto-like flavor in soups, chili and refried beans.

  • Towering vines: Easily 10 to 15 feet; needs a tall, sturdy trellis.

  • Shrugs off pests: Bean beetles, Japanese beetles and disease left it alone.

  • Heads up: Slow to set pods in heat; many see no beans until late August.

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