Black Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Black Turtle'

vegetable

Small jet-black dried beans with creamy white interior and earthy flavor. A staple of Latin American, Caribbean, and Southwestern U.S. cuisine. Black beans are among the easiest dry beans to grow and are exceptionally high in nutrients. Compact bush plants that fit even smaller gardens.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Corn — Three sisters combination
• Squash — Ground cover suppresses weeds around beans
• Summer Savory — Deters bean beetles
• Rosemary — General insect deterrence near the bean bed

❌ Keep away from

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Mexican bean beetle →

  Row cover early; handpick; neem oil spray every 7 days

• Bean aphid →

  Introduce ladybugs; water spray; insecticidal soap

• Anthracnose →

  Use certified disease-free seed; avoid working in wet garden; good air circulation

• Seedcorn maggot →

  Plant into warm soil above 60 F; avoid fresh manure at planting time

🌾 Harvest & storage

For dry beans: wait until pods are brown and papery and beans rattle inside. Harvest plants before heavy fall rains. Thresh by beating plants into a barrel or by foot, then winnow. Store dry beans in airtight containers in a cool dark location for up to 3 years. Must be cooked — never eat dry beans raw.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

One of the most nutrient-dense beans: high in protein, folate, anthocyanins, iron, and magnesium. Excellent source of soluble fiber shown to reduce LDL cholesterol. High in antioxidants comparable to blueberries.