Bean Seeds, Contender (Buff Valentine)

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4.6
46 Reviews
Sku:
#BN102
Min. seed count:
40
$3.25
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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris) Bush bean. A superb bush bean with huge yields of excellent quality pods. This tender, productive variety is a contender in any garden and has great taste. The U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, in Charleston, S.C., bred this impressive variety and released it in 1949.

  • 50 Days
  • Full Sun
  • Sprouts in 7-14 Days
  • Seed Depth: 1/2" to 1"
  • Ideal Temperature: 70-80 Degrees F
  • Plant Spacing: 4"
  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Growing Tips

Contender beans, also known as Buff Valentine beans, thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. They are moderately easy to grow and prefer full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. These beans are disease-resistant, especially to common bean mosaic virus and powdery mildew​.

When to Grow

Plant Contender beans in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is at least 65 F. The ideal temperature for Contender beans is 70-80 F. They can also be planted in summer for a continuous harvest, as they are fairly hardy and can tolerate adverse conditions​​.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds about 1/2- to 1-inch deep in the soil. Space the plants 4 inches apart to allow for air circulation and easy access for harvesting. Ensure the soil is nutrient-rich and well-drained. Water the seeds immediately after planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period​​. Sprouts appear in 7-14 days.

How to Grow

Contender beans need moderate watering, especially during flowering and pod development. They do not require much nitrogen as they fix their own but need adequate potassium and phosphorus. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. These beans mature quickly, typically in about 50 days, and should be harvested when pods are 5-6 inches long​.

How to Save

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 tall do Contender beans grow?
They are bush beans that typically reach a height of 12-20 inches​.

Can Contender beans be grown in containers?
Yes, they can be grown in large containers with adequate drainage and sunlight​

When should I harvest Contender beans?
Harvest when the pods are 5-6 inches long and before the seeds inside become too pronounced. Succession plant for prolonged harvest.

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Bean Seeds, Contender (Buff Valentine)
star-filled
4.6
Customer reviews (46)

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