Curious about growing rattlesnake beans in your vegetable garden? Discover some of the reasons for grown these heirloom pole green beans.
Why in the world would anyone want to grow a plant with the world rattlesnake in its name? Rattlesnake beans are a great vegetable that you can grow in your garden. And this easy to grow plant typically gets 6-8 inches tall with a variation of purple and/or brown coloring.
They are an heirloom variety of the specific pole bean plant. Are you wondering if it’s a good fit for your garden? Here are some things to consider before starting to plant in your garden.
How do rattlesnake beans grow?
It’s easy to grow rattlesnake pole beans. But you do have to be certain that you’re planting them in an area that they can get plenty of water. The perfect planting spot also allows water to easily drain.
Too much water isn’t good for the growing of the plant. That’s why it’s important to choose a spot where your soil drains easily. Having the right growing conditions will ensure the plant will produce a good crop.
You’ll need to find the perfect place to have them planted. And then you need to make certain that you have soil area that is deep enough. They also require a tall support system to help the beans grow upwards towards the sky.
When you plant the seeds make certain to give them a few inches in between each. This allows them to have room to spread upwards and grow.
What are rattlesnake pole beans?
They’re like a delicious bean that you can eat literally all year long. During the summer months, they’re a long bean that are a bright purple color with stripes. You can pick and cook and have a fresh veggie taste during the summer.
During the winter months, they’ll darken in color as they’re growing. But they will be super tasty to roast up or even add into soups and stews.
Are rattlesnake beans stringless?
They are stringless when they are younger and newly grown. This is when they’re going to be that purple color and are going to be the most tender to eat. As they age, they get darker in color. And you might find that this is when the strings start to grow.
Tips for growing rattlesnake bean pole plants
Using Epsom salt for plants can actually have a positive effect on the growing of your rattlesnake beans. Epsom salts can help to germinate plants which can then make them have a great year of growing.
Adding humic acid to your rattlesnake bean plants can actually help them grow naturally and produce more!
Do you want to start planting your rattlesnake plants earlier in the year? If so, consider starting seeds indoors to get a jumpstart on the growing season. I’ve found that starter seeds are a great way to keep your garden on track. And the conditions can be ideal even when Mother Nature might not always be cooperating.
If you have an area in your home that you can easily set up for bright light and moisture, do so. You’ll love that you’ll be able to transfer your sprouts to the garden area to continue growing with the bright summer sun.
Now you know a bit about growing rattlesnake green beans. Are you ready to plant your first batch? While the name might be a little funky, I can assure you that they taste great. They’re a really great vegetable to grow and are super simple to do.
And who knows, you might just grow enough to have plentyfor your fall and winter recipe needs as well. They are perfect for making a paleo green bean casserole or frying with peppers and onions. Having a garden that produces healthy foods is always a great idea.