Bean Amethyst

The striking purple color of Amethyst draws attention at farm stands and farmers' markets. Amethyst is a purple podded specialty bean that is produced on a vigorous bush plant. The round pods are 5 to 5-1/2 long completely stringless. and if the plants are kept picked. they produce continuously over a long period. The attractive and straight pods also have a uniform color. Pods lose their color when cooked in hot water.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring. once weather is warm and settled and nights stay securely above 55°F (13°C). plant seeds in well-worked. fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Make additional sowings several weeks apart until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.

GROWING NOTES
Tender crispy garden beans are an easy and reliable crop to grow. Birds are often attracted to young bean seedlings. so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants or picking pods when plants are wet.

HARVEST AND USE
These vigorous plants produce strong harvests. The more you pick. the more the plants will produce. and the nitrogen fixing bacteria on the roots of bean plants actually improves your soil. Sow another crop about three weeks after your first planting and you'll have a welcome second harvest in late summer. Tasty Royalty Purple Pod bean pods will turn green after a few minutes of cooking.

Seeding depth: 1 - 1.5 inches
Germination days: 6 - 10 days
Maturation days: 55 days