Description

Item Details

Also known as Cherokee Black, the variety is good as both a snap and a dry bean; when mature, the greenish-purple 6” pods encase shiny jet-black seeds. This bean was shared with Seed Savers Exchange by the late Dr. John Wyche of Hugo, Oklahoma. His Cherokee ancestors carried Blogs Recipes this bean over the Trail of Tears, the infamous winter death march from the Smoky Mountains to Oklahoma (1838-39) that left a trail of 4,000 graves. Pole habit, snap or dry, 85 days. +1,600 seeds/Ib.

Learn How to Grow Cherokee Trail of Tear Beans

Growing Media

SOIL: Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with lots of organic material. A soil pH of 6.0-8.0 will get plants growing, with an ideal range falling between 6.0-6.8.

SOILLESS: Seeds will germinate in nutrient-rich mixes with good drainage such as those that contain coco coir, perlite, and/or vermiculite

HYDROPONICS: WiLL grows well in hydroponic systems that provide a good deal of support, such as an ebb and flow system, with sturdy media such as clay pellets or gravel.

Care

WATER: Requires moderate levels of water: approximately 1″ per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. This is particularly important in the early stages of growth as overwatering the seeds can cause damage and decrease your germination rates.

NUTRIENTS: As pole beans tend to produce their own nitrogen (as long as the proper rhizobia bacteria are in the soil), they do not generally require the addition of this nutrient. Adding a light layer of compost or nutrient mix with higher levels of potassium and phosphorous, however, can benefit your plants if added prior to planting and once again when plants have reached about 6″ in height.

FOLIAR: Although not required, a light application of compost tea every 3-4 weeks can help your plants and the surrounding soil stay happy and healthy.

PRUNING: One of the benefits of pole beans is that they produce high yields very quickly, so make sure to keep picking off your beans as they mature if you want ta maximize your plant’s productivity.

MULCHING: Apply a light layer of straw, reusable black landscape fabric, or wood chips around your bean plants to keen moisture and heat in the war coil and connect pO re ee Sop weed populations.

Nutrients

NUTRITIONAL: This veggie is a great, low-fat source of nutrients that is high in vitamin (s) A, C, and K. Pole beans are also a good source of fiber and contain trace amounts of many minerals including manganese, magnesium, calcium, and Iran. They’re also a good source of antioxidants.

MEDICINAL: As pole beans provide antioxidants to the body, some studies have suggested that they can contribute to cardiovascular health by lowering blood fat content. The vitamin K and calcium content in beans has also been linked to increased bone density and overall bone health.