Minimum Seed Count: 20

Hidatsa Red Bean is a productive, heirloom dry bean originally grown by the Hidatsa people of the Upper Midwest. The plants form sturdy semi-runner vines that climb a short trellis or grow as bushy sprawlers. Pods mature to reveal rich brick-red beans that store extremely well and cook into a creamy, hearty texture. They’re excellent for soups, chili, stews, and traditional Native American dishes. Hardy, dependable, and drought-tolerant once established, this variety is prized for both yield and flavor.

🌱 Planting Guide

When to Plant

• Direct sow after your last frost, when soil reaches 60–70°F

• Beans do not like cold, wet soil — wait for warm weather

How to Plant

• Depth: 1 inch

• Spacing: 3–4 inches apart

• Rows: 18–24 inches apart

• Support: Small trellis or stakes recommended (semi-runner habit)

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun

• Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers (causes excess leaves, fewer pods)

Care Tips

• Water regularly until flowering, then reduce irrigation slightly

• Mulch to keep soil evenly moist

• Beans fix their own nitrogen — no heavy feeding needed

• Provide airflow to reduce mold or disease in humid areas

Harvest

• For dry beans:

  • Allow pods to fully dry and turn tan/brown on the plant

  • Pick when pods rattle and beans are hard

  • Finish drying indoors if needed

• For fresh shelling beans: pick when pods are swollen but still green

Storage

• Fully dry beans can be stored for a year or more in a cool, dry place

• Freezing dry beans for 48 hours kills any potential pests before storing