Papa De Rola Beans loose and in pods on a white background.
A close-up macro view of Papa De Rola Beans.
Papa De Rola Beans in blue bowl on a wooden background.
A macro close-up view of Papa De Rola Beans in dried pods.
Papa De Rola Beans in dried pods and loose arranged on a white background.
An extreme macro close-up of Papa De Rola Beans in a blue dish.
Close-up of dried pods with Papa De Rola Beans inside on a light background.
Papa De Rola Beans loose and in pods on a white background.
A close-up macro view of Papa De Rola Beans.
Papa De Rola Beans in blue bowl on a wooden background.
A macro close-up view of Papa De Rola Beans in dried pods.
Papa De Rola Beans in dried pods and loose arranged on a white background.
An extreme macro close-up of Papa De Rola Beans in a blue dish.
Close-up of dried pods with Papa De Rola Beans inside on a light background.

Bean Seeds,
Papa De Rola

4.73 ReviewsSKU: #BN117Min. seed count: 40
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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris). Pole bean. An ornamental marvel and a hearty kitchen staple that mesmerises with its unique coloration. These beautiful beans are brilliant white on one side, while the other is feathered with earthy beige swirls and deep maroon splotches. This Western European heirloom originates from the coastal nation of Portugal; it also goes by the name Dove’s Breast bean due to its resemblance to the speckled, stout-bodied birds. A drying type, it is perfect for simmering into soups and hearty bean stews like the Portuguese classic Molho de Feijao, a dish popular during festive celebrations and cold winter months.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Pole
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–8
Days to Maturity
90–95
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
6–10 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant in the spring after the last frost when the soil temperature is at least 60 F. They require a long period of warm weather to produce dry beans, so ensure all frost danger is passed before planting​. 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. Sow the seeds directly into the ground at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch. Space the plants about 6 to 10 inches apart with rows 24 to 36 inches apart. These beans are pole varieties, so they need a sturdy support structure such as a trellis, poles, or a teepee.

How to Grow

These beans grow best in full sun and well-drained, friable soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Regular watering is crucial, especially during flowering and pod development. These beans fix their own nitrogen, so they generally don't require additional nitrogen fertilizers, but they benefit from moderate levels of potassium and phosphorus​. Harvest 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

Can I eat these fresh, or are they just for drying?

This is a drying bean, so it's at its best when the pods are left to mature and the beans harvested dry for storage. They shine in slow-simmered dishes — soups and hearty stews like the Portuguese classic Molho de Feijão. If you want a snap bean for fresh eating, this isn't the one, but as a soup bean it's hard to beat.

Do these beans need support?

Yes—this is a pole variety, so it'll want a sturdy structure to climb, whether that's a trellis, poles, or a teepee. Set your support up at planting time so you're not disturbing the roots later. Space plants 6 to 10 inches apart with rows 24 to 36 inches apart.

When do I harvest for dry beans?

Leave the pods right on the plant and let them mature and dry there — you're not picking these young. They're ready when the pods have gone papery and you can hear the beans rattling around inside. Pull the plants, shake them into a bag to release the beans, and store somewhere cool and dry. Harvesting frequently isn't the goal here the way it is with snap beans; patience is what gets you a good dry bean.

Questions?

Browse our full range of bean seeds.

Customer reviews

4.7 / 5 3 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heat tolerant: Kept producing through weeks of 90F-plus heat.

  • Heavy producer: Very productive, even grown on short fencing.

  • Vigorous climber: A vigorous pole bean that needs something to climb.

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