Cranberry Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Cranberry'

vegetable

A beautiful speckled shell bean with creamy white pods splashed with vivid red-pink markings that fade to tan when dried. The fresh-shelled beans are nutty and creamy. A staple of Italian, Portuguese, and South American cooking. Can be eaten fresh-shelled (like lima beans) or as a dried bean. One of the most ornamental beans for the vegetable garden.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Corn — Classic three sisters partner providing support for pole types
• Squash — Ground cover combination; three sisters
• Summer Savory — Traditional bean companion; deters bean beetles
• Cucumber — Compatible warm-season companion with different pest profiles

❌ 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 adults and orange larvae; neem oil spray

• Aphids →

  Water blast; insecticidal soap; beneficial insect habitat nearby

• Bean leaf roller →

  Bt spray when larvae are small; remove rolled leaf shelters

• White mold →

  Ensure spacing and airflow; avoid overhead watering

🌾 Harvest & storage

For fresh shell beans: harvest when pods are fully plump and the red markings are vivid. Pods will feel rounded when you run your hand along them. Cook like fresh limas — simmer 20 to 30 minutes. For dry beans: allow pods to brown and rattle on the plant. Store dry beans up to 3 years in airtight containers.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Excellent source of plant protein, fiber, folate, iron, and potassium. Contains anthocyanins in the red-splashed pods. One of the most nutrient-dense beans available. Used in traditional South American and Mediterranean cuisines as a staple protein source.