Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean

$2.00

Pole bean
Black seeds
Green 6 inch pods with purple overlay
Snap or dry bean
150 Seeds/25g

Item Details

Also known as Cherokee Black, the variety is good as both a snap and a dry bean; when mature, the greenish-purple 6” pods encase shiny jet-black seeds. This bean was shared with Seed Savers Exchange by the late Dr. John Wyche of Hugo, Oklahoma. His Cherokee ancestors carried this bean over the Trail of Tears, the infamous winter death march from the Smoky Mountains to Oklahoma (1838-39) that left a trail of 4,000 graves. Pole habit, snap or dry, 85 days. ±1,600 seeds/lb.

Learn How to Grow Cherokee Trail of Tear Beans

Direct Seed: 2" Apart

Seed Depth: 1"

Support: Trellis, tepee, or fencing

Light: Full Sun

HVO Seeds Package

HVO packages our seeds in custom-made foil packets to keep moisture out and extend the seed life. Some of our Foil Packets have a zip-lock seal to maintain freshness. We also insert a silica gel anti-moisture packet in each foil packet.

Growing Media

01 SOIL

Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with lots of organic material. A soil pH of 6.0–8.0 will get plants growing, with an ideal range falling between 6.0–6.8.

02 SOILLESS

Seeds will germinate in nutrient-rich mixes with good drainage such as those that contain coco coir, perlite, and/or vermiculite

03 HYDROPONICS

Will grow well in hydroponic systems that provide a good deal of support, such as an ebb and flow system, with sturdy media such as clay pellets or gravel.

Care

01 WATER

Requires moderate levels of water: approximately 1″ per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. This is particularly important in the early stages of growth as overwatering the seeds can cause damage and decrease your germination rates.

02 NUTRIENTS

As pole beans tend to produce their own nitrogen (as long as the proper rhizobia bacteria are in the soil), they do not generally require the addition of this nutrient. Adding a light layer of compost or nutrient mix with higher levels of potassium and phosphorous, however, can benefit your plants if added prior to planting and once again when plants have reached about 6″ in height.

03 FOLIAR

Although not required, a light application of compost tea every 3–4 weeks can help your plants and the surrounding soil stay happy and healthy.

04 PRUNING

One of the benefits of pole beans is that they produce high yields very quickly, so make sure to keep picking off your beans as they mature if you want to maximize your plant’s productivity.

05 MULCHING

Apply a light layer of straw, reusable black landscape fabric, or wood chips around your bean plants to keep moisture and heat in your soil and suppress weed populations.

Nutrients

01 NUTRITIONAL

This veggie is a great, low fat source of nutrients that is high in vitmain(s) A, C, and K. Pole beans are also a good source of fiber and contain trace amounts of many minerals including manganese, magnesium, calcium, and iron. They’re also a good source of antioxidants.

02 MEDICINAL

As pole beans provide antioxidants to the body, some studies have suggested that they can contribute to cardiovascular health by lowering blood fat content. The vitamin K and calcium content in beans has also been linked to increased bone density and overall bone health.