Hidatsa Red Bean Seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris cv.)

Harvested from the gardens at Monticello. A primary goal of the Jefferson-sponsored Lewis and Clark Expedition was botanical exploration of North America. In 1805 the members of the 'Corps of Discovery' spent six winter months at Fort Mandan on the Missouri, near the Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan villages. The Hidatsa Red Bean is prolific; one plant can produce over 100 pods containing 6-8, rose-red beans that are smaller than kidney beans but similar in flavor. Direct sow seeds of this half-runner bean after the last spring frost. The bushy plants can sprawl or climb to 3' if provided a trellis. Harvest the pods after they have dried on the vine. Approximately 20-25 seeds per packet.