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Non-GMO
Easy to Grow
Heirloom

Kentucky Wonder (Old Homestead) Pole Bean

Quick Facts:

  • Heirloom dating back to 1860s
  • Vigorous, heavy producer
  • Flattened, slightly curved pods
  • Best picked when 4-5" long
  • Great for canning and pickling

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Quantity: Packet (25 Seeds)

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We ship to all areas of North America including the United States, its territories and outlying islands, and Canada. International orders may incur an additional charge to cover the handling of customs paperwork. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

Kentucky Wonder (Old Homestead) Pole Bean

More about Kentucky Wonder

Phaseolus vulgaris

Also known as Old Homestead bean, Kentucky Wonder is a very old heirloom pole bean variety that produces huge yields of long, slightly flattened pods containing light brown seeds.  A longtime favorite for southern homesteaders, Kentucky Wonder has a vigorous climbing habit and is reported to be one of the most reliable producers in extreme heat. 

Kentucky Wonder's long, flattened, slightly curved pods have a classic green bean flavor with somewhat of a coarse texture, which is why we consider Kentucky Wonder more of a workhorse for canning and pickling rather than a fine bean for sauteing.  Likewise, gardeners should be advised to pick them while they are small as they can get tough and string... More

Less

Phaseolus vulgaris

Also known as Old Homestead bean, Kentucky Wonder is a very old heirloom pole bean variety that produces huge yields of long, slightly flattened pods containing light brown seeds.  A longtime favorite for southern homesteaders, Kentucky Wonder has a vigorous climbing habit and is reported to be one of the most reliable producers in extreme heat. 

Kentucky Wonder's long, flattened, slightly curved pods have a classic green bean flavor with somewhat of a coarse texture, which is why we consider Kentucky Wonder more of a workhorse for canning and pickling rather than a fine bean for sauteing.  Likewise, gardeners should be advised to pick them while they are small as they can get tough and stringy with age.  We recommend checking for strings while snapping and removing, if necessary.  

Although now commonly known as Kentucky Wonder, this variety has a long history of cultivation and has been known by a number of different aliases over the years, including Southern Prolific, Missouri Prolific, American Sickle Pole, Georgia Monstrous Pole, Texas Pole, Old Homestead, and Eastern Wonder.  It was released commercially under the name "Kentucky Wonder" in 1877 and has since become one of the most popular green beans of all time.

In all, if you are looking for a reliable, time-tested heirloom bean for your garden, we recommend giving Kentucky Wonder a try.  With its long running history and dependable performance, it's no surprise Kentucky Wonder has remained a favorite bean for the American garden.  Harvests begin approximately 65 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.

Phaseolus vulgaris

Also known as Old Homestead bean, Kentucky Wonder is a very old heirloom pole bean variety that produces huge yields of long, slightly flattened pods containing light brown seeds.  A longtime favorite for southern homesteaders, Kentucky Wonder has a vigorous climbing habit and is reported to be one of the most reliable producers in extreme heat. 

Kentucky Wonder's long, flattened, slightly curved pods have a classic green bean flavor with somewhat ... read more

read less

Phaseolus vulgaris

Also known as Old Homestead bean, Kentucky Wonder is a very old heirloom pole bean variety that produces huge yields of long, slightly flattened pods containing light brown seeds.  A longtime favorite for southern homesteaders, Kentucky Wonder has a vigorous climbing habit and is reported to be one of the most reliable producers in extreme heat. 

Kentucky Wonder's long, flattened, slightly curved pods have a classic green bean flavor with somewhat of a coarse texture, which is why we consider Kentucky Wonder more of a workhorse for canning and pickling rather than a fine bean for sauteing.  Likewise, gardeners should be advised to pick them while they are small as they can get tough and stringy with age.  We recommend checking for strings while snapping and removing, if necessary.  

Although now commonly known as Kentucky Wonder, this variety has a long history of cultivation and has been known by a number of different aliases over the years, including Southern Prolific, Missouri Prolific, American Sickle Pole, Georgia Monstrous Pole, Texas Pole, Old Homestead, and Eastern Wonder.  It was released commercially under the name "Kentucky Wonder" in 1877 and has since become one of the most popular green beans of all time.

In all, if you are looking for a reliable, time-tested heirloom bean for your garden, we recommend giving Kentucky Wonder a try.  With its long running history and dependable performance, it's no surprise Kentucky Wonder has remained a favorite bean for the American garden.  Harvests begin approximately 65 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.

Bucket of heirloom beans
Bucket of heirloom beans

How to Grow Pole Beans

Beans perform best in well-drained soil of normal fertility. Beans do not require supplemental nitrogen as they are able to fix their own, however a fall application of well-aged manure or compost will help to boost yields in poor soils. Avoid planting beans in low-lying or poor-draining areas as this can predispose seedlings to fungal diseases and damping off.

After the danger of frost has passed and daytime soil temps average at least 60 degrees, sow seeds 1" deep, 4-6” apart in rows 36-60" apart. Support plants with posts and twine or tensile wire. Bamboo/wooden tripods or living trellises such as corn may alternatively be used for support. Avoid planting when cool, wet weather is forecast as this can increase the occurrence of fungal diseases and damping off.

Not recommended for beans

Insect Pests

Mexican Bean Beetles and Japanese Beetles can be controlled using a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution. Pheromone-based Japanese Beetle traps can also be effective at minimizing damage to plants. Finally, selection of tolerant cultivars is important in areas with known insect issues.

Diseases & Other Problems

Consult your local extension office to determine which diseases are most common in your area. Site selection is key in keeping bean diseases at bay. Select well-draining sites that do not have a history of disease. Giving plants ample space will allow leaves to dry more quickly and slow the spread of disease. Remove plant debris in the fall and turn over soil to minimize disease carryover. Avoid planting beans in the same location for at least two years. During hot and dry periods, beans may stop flowering or may drop flowers. Pod production will resume once moisture has returned.

Avoid harvesting beans in the morning before the leaves have dried or after a rain as this can spread disease. Timing the harvest is a matter of personal preference. Stringless beans are typically harvested before the seeds reach an appreciable size, while string beans are often harvested once the beans start to bulge in the pods For dry beans, individual pods may be harvested as soon as they have begun to yellow. Alternatively, entire plants may be pulled once a majority of pods have yellowed. Allow pods to dry for about four days before shelling. Once shelled, allow to cure for another week. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. Dry beans can be stored for several years under these conditions. If vacuum-sealed with a desiccant bag in the container, they will keep for up to 30 years.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Beans are self-pollinating plants with perfect flowers that contain both male and female floral organs. Pollination typically occurs before the flower has opened, therefore crossing in beans is fairly uncommon. Isolation distances of a few feet are usually sufficient to prevent cross-pollination, so long as plants are not allowed to intermingle.

HARVESTING SEED:

Beans that are being saved for seed are harvested exactly as are dry beans. Mature yellow or brown pods are pulled and allowed to dry completely. The pods can then be "shelled" or opened to release the beans.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Bean seeds will maintain at least 50% germination for four years when stored under ideal conditions.

Bean growing on trellis

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