Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
H1a
RHS hardiness
15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 50cm |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
Black Turtle Bean Overview
Black turtle beans is a cultivar of the usual bean family with shiny black seeds. It is used by vegetarians as a good source of proteins. It has a dense meaty structure and the water it was cooked in is often reused as soup, broth or coloring of other food!
Common problems with Black Turtle Bean
Aphids will wash off with a garden hose pretty easily. Pyrethrin sprays can keep them off your plants for longer, but will need re-applying after any rains. An organic solution is to get some ladybugs and let them loose in your bean patchas they will get rid of any aphids. Other insects that may attack black beans are beetles, leafhoppers and flea beetles. Remove them by hand.
Black Turtle Bean Companion Plants
Brassicas, carrots, beetroot, cucumber, leeks, celery, potatoes, strawberries
How to harvest Black Turtle Bean
Black beans are left until they are fully matured (have dried, the pods will turn yellow and split open when the beans are ready).
How to propagate Black Turtle Bean
Seed
Sowing time best during spring and summer directly into the soil with a spacing of 15 - 20 cm apart. Sow them 3-5 cm deep.
Special features of Black Turtle Bean
Crop rotation
Beans are part of the legume family, helping to add value to your soil as they live in close symbiotic relation with Nitrogen-fixing bacteria. They are crusial in improving your soil condition.
Other uses of Black Turtle Bean
Culinary, soil conditioner