A Greasy Grit bean pod with some beans on a white background
A close-up view of cooked and raw Greasy Grits Beans on a wooden background.
Cut and whole Greasy Grits Beans with a giant penny replica on a white background.
A bowl of cooked Greasy Grits Beans with a pile of fresh beans on a wooden background.
A gardener holding freshly harvested Greasy Grits Beans in the garden at Baker Creek.
Greasy Grits Beans in the dried stage in a bowl on teal colored background.
A Greasy Grit bean pod with some beans on a white background
A close-up view of cooked and raw Greasy Grits Beans on a wooden background.
Cut and whole Greasy Grits Beans with a giant penny replica on a white background.
A bowl of cooked Greasy Grits Beans with a pile of fresh beans on a wooden background.
A gardener holding freshly harvested Greasy Grits Beans in the garden at Baker Creek.
Greasy Grits Beans in the dried stage in a bowl on teal colored background.

Bean Seeds,
Greasy Grits

4.630 Reviews#BN127 · 40 seeds
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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris) Pole bean. Known as “Greasy Grits” for its naturally glossy, smooth pod surface, this Appalachian pole bean was once a staple across the Midwest and South before nearly fading from common use. Recently rediscovered, it’s now celebrated by chefs, food lovers, and gardeners who know that true flavor never goes out of style. Vines mature in about 90 days, producing beans with a rich, nutty, mellow umami depth that stands tall in soups, stews, and slow-cooked dishes.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
90
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6–10 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Greasy Grits beans in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is at least 60 F. These beans thrive in warm weather, making them suitable for planting as late as June in some regions​. The ideal temperature for Greasy Grits beans is 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

Soak seeds overnight. Sow the seeds directly into the ground at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch, spacing them 6 to 10 inches apart. Rows should be spaced 2.5 to 3 feet apart. Being a pole variety, they require trellising or some form of support to grow vertically​​.

How to Grow

Greasy Grits beans prefer full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease. These beans benefit from a low nitrogen fertilizer since they fix their own nitrogen. Potassium and phosphorus are more beneficial during their growth​. 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

How long do Greasy Grits Beans take to mature?

They typically mature in about 90 days.

Do Greasy Grits Beans need a trellis?

Yes, these are pole beans and require support structures like a trellis to grow properly.

When should I harvest Greasy Grits Beans?

Harvest as snap beans when the pods are young and tender, or let them mature fully on the vine for dry beans.

Browse our full range of bean seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 30 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Huge yields: Pods come in clusters you pick by the handful, all season.

  • Old-fashioned bean flavor: Rich, beany taste like the green beans of decades ago.

  • Vigorous climber: Vines top 6-foot poles; give them a tall trellis.

  • An Appalachian heirloom: A nostalgic favorite; many dry it for shuck beans too.

  • Heads up: A string bean: string every pod and simmer it long to go tender.

More to grow!

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