Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean pods with beans on a white background.
A close-up of Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans arranged on a white background.
An overhead view of Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans arranged on a white background.
Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans with pods in hand
Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean pods with beans on a white background.
A close-up of Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans arranged on a white background.
An overhead view of Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans arranged on a white background.
Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans with pods in hand

Bean Seeds,
Cherokee Trail of Tears

4.391 ReviewsSKU: #BN134
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Min. 40 seeds

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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris) Pole bean. Cherokee Trail of Tears bean memorializes the federal government’s forced removal of the Cherokee tribe from their ancestral homelands of the Southeast to Oklahoma in the 1830s, a tragic and deadly trek that killed more than 6,000 people. People couldn’t carry much, but they did take seeds, including a shiny black bean that came to be known as “Cherokee Trail of Tears.” Dr. John Wyche, a Cherokee tribal member, dentist, and seed saver from Hugo, Oklahoma, gave the beautiful and prolific bean variety to Seed Savers Exchange in the 1970s. His family had stewarded the bean for generations in Oklahoma. Often grown for drying, Cherokee Trail of Tears is also excellent as a green bean.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
65
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6–10 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Cherokee Trail of Tears beans in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 F. The ideal temperature for these beans is 70-80 F. These beans are sensitive to cold, and frost can damage or kill young plants. For best results, sow seeds about 14 days after the last frost date​. 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 before planting. Sow seeds directly into the ground at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch. Ensure rows are 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and ease of access. If starting seeds indoors, transplant them carefully to avoid disturbing the roots​. Space plants 6 to 10 inches apart.

How to Grow

Provide a sturdy support structure such as a trellis, fence, or pole for these climbing beans. Water moderately, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Cherokee Trail of Tears beans generally do not require heavy fertilization if the soil is well-prepared with organic matter​​.

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 Cherokee Trail of Tears beans take to mature?

They typically take about 65 days to reach maturity, depending on whether they are grown for snap or for dry beans.

How tall do Cherokee Trail of Tears beans grow?

They are pole beans that can grow up to 9 feet tall, requiring adequate support.

When should I harvest Cherokee Trail of Tears beans?

Harvest snap beans when the pods are still tender and before the seeds inside become too pronounced. For dry beans, allow the pods to mature and dry on the vine before harvesting.

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Customer reviews

4.3 / 5 91 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Prolific dual-purpose bean: A few plants give snap beans all summer, then dry black beans.

  • Very tall vines: Needs tall poles or at least a 7-foot trellis.

  • Heat and drought tough: Kept growing through heat waves with little water.

  • Good soup bean: Small, shiny black beans hold their shape in soups and burritos.

  • Heads up: Can be slow to set pods; snaps get strings fast, so pick them small.

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