Seeds, Bean, Grapevine Greasy

Bean, Grapevine Greasy
(Phaseolus vulgaris)

Grapevine Greasy is a traditional Appalachian pole bean treasured for its tender texture, rich flavor, and heavy yields. As a “greasy bean,” it features smooth, shiny pods without the fuzz found on many snap beans. Vigorous climbing vines produce long, flavorful pods that have been a staple in mountain gardens for generations.

Key Characteristics

• Heirloom Appalachian Greasy Bean
  “Greasy” refers to the smooth, glossy pods that lack fuzz and have a tender, almost slick feel. This regional heirloom has been passed down through families for its dependable production and exceptional eating quality.
• Excellent Snap Bean Flavor
  Pods are best harvested young at 4–6 inches for tender snap beans with full, traditional bean flavor. They cook down beautifully for slow-simmered dishes and hold texture well when canned or frozen.
• Vigorous Pole Growth
  Strong climbing vines reach 6–8+ feet and benefit from sturdy trellises, poles, or fencing. Vertical growth maximizes yield in smaller spaces and improves airflow around foliage.
• Continuous Summer Harvest
  With regular picking, plants continue flowering and setting pods throughout the warm season. Reliable productivity makes it well suited to homestead gardens and succession planting.

Product Details

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Native Range: Central & South America (widely cultivated)
• Plant Life Cycle: Annual
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Mature Height: 6–8+ feet (pole type)
• Bloom Time: June–August
• Bloom Color: White
• Days to Maturity: ~65–75 days
• Harvest Use: Snap bean (can mature for shell or dry bean)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in zones 3–10

Direct sow after danger of frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60–65°F. Provide trellising at planting time. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization; beans produce best in moderately fertile soils. Harvest frequently to encourage continuous production. In permaculture systems, plant pole beans along fences or integrate into corn plantings for vertical layering.

Grapevine Greasy Bean carries regional history, strong yields, and classic flavor—an enduring favorite for productive summer gardens.

These seeds come from the Appalachian Seed Growers Collective, a regional network of farmers dedicated to growing and sharing seeds adapted to the Southern Appalachian climate and rooted in seed sovereignty and crop diversity. These varieties have been grown and saved in place by local growers to thrive in your garden while supporting resilient, locally-grown food systems.