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A bunch of Jacob&
Extreme micro view of several Jacob&
A close-up of Jacob&
Jacob&
A handful of Jacob&
A bunch of Jacob&
Extreme micro view of several Jacob&
A close-up of Jacob&
Jacob&

Bean Seeds,
Jacob's Cattle Bush

4.211 ReviewsSKU: #BN115Min. seed count: 40
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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris). Jacob’s Cattle bean was named for its resemblance to spotted Hereford cattle, but you might also find it referred to as Trout or Appaloosa bean. Whatever you call it, Jacob’s Cattle is a gorgeous red-and-white mottled kidney bean that cooks up creamy and offers a rich and nutty flavor. This bean originated with indigenous farmers in the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. According to Slow Foods USA, Passamaquoddy people of Maine were said to have given some as a gift to Joseph Clark, the first Caucasian child born in Lubec, Maine, in the 1600s. Heirloom bean lovers have wholeheartedly embraced Jacob’s Cattle bean. Grow it, and you’ll see why.

Growing Tips: Bush habit requires no staking. Direct seed after last frost, soaking seeds overnight. Pick frequently to keep plants productive. Succession plant for prolonged harvest.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
90
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
4 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

These beans should be planted after the last frost date in your area. The ideal temperature is 70-80 F. The beans mature in about 90 days, so tie succession sowing to your frost date rather than to the calendar: stop sowing about 100 days before the average first fall frost, and treat later sowings as fresh shell beans rather than dry seed. To determine specific planting dates, you may want to check your local frost dates and USDA hardiness zone recommendations. 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

Prepare the soil by adding compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage. Soak seeds overnight. Sow the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart, with rows spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart. Seeds typically germinate in 7 to 14 days.

How to Grow

Once the beans have sprouted, ensure they receive at least 2 to 3 inches of water per week, preferably through rain or a gentle watering system. While they generally don't require much fertilization if grown in rich soil, a balanced fertilizer can be applied sparingly. Keep the planting area free from weeds and mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition​. Pick frequently to keep plants productive.

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

What is the origin of Jacob's Cattle Bush beans?

This heirloom originated with indigenous farmers in the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada, and the Passamaquoddy people of Maine were said to have given some as a gift to Joseph Clark in the 1600s. The name comes from the bean's resemblance to spotted Hereford cattle, and you may also find it sold as Trout or Appaloosa bean.

Can Jacob's Cattle Bush beans be harvested at different stages?

Yes. Picked early, the plump kidney-shaped beans make excellent shell beans. Left to fully dry on the vine, they are harvested as flavorful, long-storing dry beans.

What are Jacob's Cattle Bush beans best used for in the kitchen?

Prized for their rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture, they hold their shape well during cooking and are a classic choice for baked beans, soups, and stews.

Questions?

Browse our full range of bean seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 11 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Creamy dried bean: Delicate and creamy; holds up to long simmering for ham and beans.

  • Early to mature: Dry pods in under 80 days, a fit for short Northern seasons.

  • Loaded with pods: Plants bend under the weight of pods by late summer.

  • Growing tips: Plants flop over and pods can mold; stake them in damp areas.

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