One whole and one cross sliced McCaslan 42 Pole Bean pods on a white background.
McCaslan 42 Pole Beans arranged on a light blue background.
A couple of McCaslan 42 Pole Beans. resting on a white background.
McCaslan 42 Pole Beans. Arranged with foliage on a white background.
A woman holding a bowl of cooked McCaslan 42 Pole Beans.
Cut and whole McCaslan 42 Pole Beans arranged with blooms on a light pink background.
One whole and one cross sliced McCaslan 42 Pole Bean pods on a white background.
McCaslan 42 Pole Beans arranged on a light blue background.
A couple of McCaslan 42 Pole Beans. resting on a white background.
McCaslan 42 Pole Beans. Arranged with foliage on a white background.
A woman holding a bowl of cooked McCaslan 42 Pole Beans.
Cut and whole McCaslan 42 Pole Beans arranged with blooms on a light pink background.

Bean Seeds,
McCaslan 42 Pole

3.611 ReviewsSKU: #BN108
Price
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Min. 40 seeds

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Description

(Phaseolus vulgaris) Pole bean. In 1912 the McCaslan family decided to share one of the South’s most versatile and soon-to-be-adored bean varieties. They had been protecting this prolific and heat-loving variety of green bean in their family’s Georgian garden plot and decided that everyone needed to enjoy this heirloom treasure. Reaching almost 8 inches in length, it can be picked young as a snap bean or picked late in the season for an ivory-colored white shelling bean. Slightly flattened pods have excellent flavor and are perfect fresh or preserved. This pole bean is prolific over a long season. McCaslan 42 is an improved variety released by the Corneli Seed Company of Saint Louis in 1962.

Growing Tips:McCaslan 42 pole beans are known for their vigorous growth and high productivity. They thrive in full sun and well-drained, rich soil. Adding compost or aged manure before planting can improve soil fertility and water retention. They produce slightly flattened, dark-green pods that can be harvested as stringless snap beans or allowed to mature into white-seeded shell beans​.

Plant Details

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

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant McCaslan 42 pole beans after the last frost date when the soil temperature is consistently above 60 F. These beans typically mature in about 70 days, making them suitable for continuous planting throughout the growing season to ensure a steady harvest​.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow the seeds directly into the garden at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch and space them about 4 to 6 inches apart. Provide a sturdy trellis or support system as the plants can grow up to 7 feet tall. Ensure the planting area receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Seeds can be soaked overnight before planting to improve germination rates.

How to Grow

McCaslan 42 pole beans require regular watering, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. They thrive in evenly moist soil. Fertilize sparingly, focusing on potassium and phosphorus rather than nitrogen, as beans fix their own nitrogen. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds​​.

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

Do McCaslan 42 beans need support?

Yes, McCaslan 42 pole beans need a trellis or support system to grow properly due to their tall, vigorous vines​​.

What pests and diseases should I watch for?

Common issues include aphids, bean beetles, and fungal diseases like rust and blight. Regular monitoring and maintaining good garden hygiene can help manage these problems​​.

Can McCaslan 42 beans be grown in containers?

While McCaslan 42 beans are vigorous growers, they are generally not recommended for containers due to their size and support needs​​.

Browse our full range of bean seeds.

Customer reviews

3.6 / 5 11 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Rich dry bean: Buttery, smooth shelled beans for soups and baked beans.

  • Tall, rampant vines: Vines pass 12 feet and need serious support.

  • Heavy producer for most: Most get a heavy set; 8 pounds of dry beans from a 24-foot row.

  • Quick to start: Often the first bean up and the first to flower.

  • Heads up: A few vines bore little; pick pods young before they turn woody.

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