Heirloom Seeds & Poultry
1878 230th Street, Calamus, IA 52729
(563) 246-2299
bush beans for shelling
77 varieties to chose from. There is an extreme amount of hand labor involved with bean seed production on our scale. They are planted by hand, harvested by hand, shelled and cleaned. We are reducing packet size on all of our beans to around 25 seeds per packet. We have found that gives a good start and gives you a chance to try many more varieties. We have learned the best time for successful planting and harvest is to plant them in early July when other garden chores slow down they can get more care. The primary use for this group is to use in the green shell stage or dry stage for soup. We will have more than 25 seeds per packet when we have a good crop. WE USE THAT AS A MINIMUM AS WE ARE SWITCHING TO MEASURING SPOONS AND CUPS TO FILL PACKETS.
1800's Granny
1800's Granny 85 days- thick foliage with bushy plants. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
60 One Cutter
60 One Cutter- 90 days- Large plump oval kidney type that is basically deep red with paler streaks. Pods average about 6 inches long. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
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859 Bush Fall
859 Bush Fall- 90 days- . Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00. 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
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Angie’s WPA
Angie’s WPA- 90 days- Creamish grey almost tan colored round seeds. Originally from Kentucky
Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certifed Organic Seed
Arikara Yellow
Arikara Yellow- 85 days- Native American yellow-tan bush shell bean. An old Oscar Will variety introduced in 1915. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Black Nightfall
Black Nightfall- 100 days- Semi-pole, very productive pods contain 4 to 6 seeds. A black color pattern similar to Turkey Craw. Pkt. (25 seeds) $3.00 3 packets for $7.00.Certified Organic Seed
Black Turtle Soup
Black Turtle Soup- 93 days- Very productive, small black seeded soup bean. Very good flavor. These bean seeds soaked in water can be used to dye fabric a pale purple color. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $2.00 Certified Organic Seed
Boston Favorite
Boston Favorite- 95 days- A very old horticultural type bean that was passed down in my mother’s family for a number of years. Beans are kidney shaped and pinkish with red streaks. 25 seeds $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Brown Bush
Brown Bush- 95 days- 25 seeds $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Brown Seeded Pink Tip Half Runner
Brown Seeded Pink Tip Half Runner - 90 days- Pods are pinkish tipped and look like Pink Tip Half Runner but seeds are flat and brown . Originally from James Wolfe of Rogersville, Tennessee. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $2.50 2 packets for $4.00. Certified Organic Seed
Burlesenga Blue
Burlesenga Blue- 85 days - Truly one of the most unique colored beans Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Calypso
Calypso- 85 days - An excellent baking bean with unique half black half white seeds. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Dry Adventist
Dry Adventist- 85 days- Small butterscotch yellow seed. Thin shelled 3 to 4 inch pods, shatter easily. Appears to be similar to Indian Woman Yellow. This variety originated in the old Seeds Blum catalog in the 1980’s. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Ex Rico 23
Ex Rico 23- 85 days- Very small round white navy bean averaging 6 to 8 beans per 3 inch pod. Plants are very productive . ( 25 seeds) Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Foxfire Kidney
Foxfire Kidney- 90 days- A pale pink red kidney. Very vigorous plants. 25 seeds $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
French Horticultural
French Horticultural- 80 days - Thick pods get rose red streaks at fresh shell stage. Easy sheller. Pkt. $3.00
French Navy
French Navy- 90 days- The largest seeded navy I have ever seen. Seeds are an off white color. Pkt.( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Grandma’s Shell
Grandma’s Shell- 90 days- Large round white seeds almost like a Fall bean. 4 inch pods contain 5 to 6 seeds. (25 seeds)Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Hidatsa Indian Red
Hidatsa Indian Red- 80 days - Early Native American semi-twining shell bean. Deep red seeds. Occasional white sports show up. Pkt. (25 seeds) $3.00. Certified Organic Seed
Horticulture Dry Dwarf
Horticulture Dry Dwarf- 80 days- nice cranberry type bean, Pkt. (25 seeds )$3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Hurd Brown Flat
Hurd Brown Flat- 90 days- Medium to large size brown seeds. 4 inch pods with 5 to 6 seeds per pod. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Hurricane
Hurricane- 75 days- 5-6 inch pods that contain nice sized deep purple red seeds. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Indian Woman Yellow
Indian Woman Yellow -80 days- Small butterscotch yellow seed. Thin walled 4 inch pods, shatter easily and contain 4 to 6 seeds. Reputed to have originated in Montana. We determined this and Yellow Squaw were the same so are unifying under this name Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Ireland Creek Annie
Ireland Creek Annie- 60 days- Tan colored seed, green pods. Best as a dual purpose bean. Good as a green shell or a dry shell. Pkt. ( 25 seeds)$3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Kathryn
Kathryn - 90 days- Very large navy type tan colored oval bean.
Kentucky Sulphur Bee
Heirloom bean from Kentucky. Seeds have a unique darker hilum area. Pkt. ( 25 seeds ) $3.00 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Kentwood Navy
Kentwood Navy - 90 days- White seeded navy with 4 to 6 beans per 3 inch pod. Pkt. (25 seeds) $2.50 Certified Organic Seed
Krester Bush Soldier
Kretstr Bush Soldier- 90 days- A very pretty soldier type bean , white kidney with a pink hilum which has dark pink streaks. 4 inch pods have 4 to 6 beans per pod. Pkt. ( 30 seeds). $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Lazywife Bush
Lazywife Bush- 85 days- Small white navy beans that are extremely productive. Plants get large and are sturdy. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Legg's Prolific
Legg's Prolific-One of the many from Tom Knoche's collection that did not have good labels directing to its history. Very productive Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 3 packets for $7.00. Certified Organic Seed.
Little Red Bunch
Little Red Bunch-One of the many from Tom Knoche's collection that did not have good labels directing to its history, appears very similar to Red Peanut. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed.
Longeye Black Bush
Longeye Black Bush- 90 days- Colorful oblong seeds with black hilum area and black spots. 25 seeds Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Marfax
Marfax - 85 days- Bush type with good production of yellow-orange round beans for soup. Certified Organic Seed 30 SEEDS Pkt. $3.00
Marrowfat
Marrowfat - 85 days- Bush type with good production of large white round beans for soup. . Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Maine Yellow Eye
Maine Yellow Eye - 85 days- plump white beans with a yellow hilum, a historic variety from Maine. PKT. ( 25 SEEDS ) $3.00 CERTIFIED ORGANIC SEED
Matiador
Matiador- 85 days- vigorous bush habit with many pods containing deep black small seeded bean Pkt. ( 30 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic seed
Michigan Black Eye
Michigan Black Eye- 95 days- Colorful pattern on white . Very large bushy plants. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed Organic Seed.
Michigan Indian Bush
Michigan Indian Bush- 95 days- Colorful pattern on white . Very large bushy plants. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed Organic Seed. UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Michigan Indian Mix
Michigan Indian Mix- 80 days- In the early days of the Seed Savers Exchange Tom Knoche gathered up every bean that came through and got this mix from an early member in Michigan. Very productive. Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Michigan Yellow Eye
Michigan Yellow Eye- 90 days- one of the early collections of the early Seed Savers. Pkt. (25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Minnesota Cranberry
Minnesota Cranberry- 85 days- Semi-twining, pinto type. Hardy and productive. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Missouri Bills Bush
Missouri Bills Bush- 85 days- 5 inch long pods with 3 to 4 large long horticultural type beans. Plants are semi pole like in habit. UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Montezuma Red
Montezuma Red- 85 days- Flavorful Mexican type soup bean from Chiapas. Plants produce some small runners. Pkt. (25 seeds) $3.00 2 PACKETS FOR $5.00Certified Organic Seed
Odell's Hillbilly
Odell's Hillbilly- 90 days- creamish butterscotch brown seeds most likely used best as a green shell bean . Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Nano Roma di Galls
Nano Roma di Galls- 90 days- Deep red purple kidney bean. Italian origin from USDA via Robert Lobitz. 25 seeds Pkt. $3.00 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Odawa Indian
Odawa Indian- 90 days- 25 seeds Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Old Time Bunch
Old Time Bunch- 90 days- Large pods with round oblong brown seed. Pkt. (25 seeds) $3.00, 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Paint
Paint- 85 days- A yellow eye type soup bean, seeds are slightly oblong but more round than long. Pods are about 4 inches long. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Painted Pony
Painted Pony- 78 days- early and colorful. Pkt. (25 seeds) Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Pawnee Bush
Pawnee Bush- 90 days- a nice round white soup bean that is best described as a marrowfat type. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 , 2 packets for $5.00 Certified Organic Seed
Perona
Perona- 95 days- Oblong, horticultural type. Huge yields of very large pods, used primarily in green shell stage.Source seed came to us from Spain. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 2 packets for $5.00. Certified Organic Seed
Perona Verde
Perona Verde- 95 days- Oblong, horticultural type, slightly larger seed than Perona. Another one from Spain. Pkt. (25 seeds) $3.00 2 packets for $5.00. Certified Organic Seed
Pink Eye Pioneer
Pink Eye Pioneer- 90 days closely resembles a solider type bean . Pkt. (25 seeds). $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Pink Kidney
Pink Kidney- 85 days- Dark carnation pink kidney bean averaging 6 to 7 beans per 6 inch pod. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Pink Tip Half Runner
Pink Tip Half Runner- 85 days- Similar to Red Peanut. Very productive pinkish red seeds. Semi half runner type. 4 to 6 seeds. Reputed to have originated in Montana. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00. 3 packets for $7.00 Certified Organic Seed
Pink Trout
Pink Trout- 85 days- . Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Polish Pea
Polish Pea- Very tiny navy type bean. Huge yields Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 3 packets for $7.00 Certified Organic Seed
Quaker Bush
Quaker Bush- 85 days- A small deep brown seed suitable for making baked beans. Heavy yields. 4 inch pods contain 6 to 8 beans. pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Red
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Red- 85 days- Deep red Mexican type chili bean. Pods average 4 inches with 6 beans per pod. Excellent yields. 25 seeds Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Red Eye
Red Eye- 80 days- Really a deep butterscotch golden hilum area(eye) Originally from Prairie Garden Seeds. Very productive and sturdy plants. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Rhonda’s
Rhonda’s- 75 days- Buffy tan oblong seeds. Productive. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Sarah's Speckled
Sarah's Speckled- 80 days Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Scarlet Beauty
Scarlet Beauty- 95 days- Large oblong round seeds, dark red mottled seed, developed by Dr. Meader. UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Smith River Super Speckled
Smith River Super Speckled- 90 days- 5 to 6 inch pods, mostly maroon with flecks of white. Very colorful. . Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Soldier
Soldier- 90 days- 7 white kidney bean shape seeds with pink red around the hilum. Pods average 6 inches long. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Spanish Black
Spanish Black- 80 days- Small black seeds, similar to Black Turtle. . Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 3 packets for $7.00. Certified Organic Seed
Squaw
Squaw- 90 days- Long seeds, seeds are spotted dark purple on white base color in 6 inch pods . We continue to follow our policy on not changing names to protect historical accuracy. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Steuben Yellow Eye
Steuben Yellow Eye- 80 days- Round lemon yellow tannish seeds. Pkt. (25seeds) $3.00 (Limit 1 Pkt.) Certified Organic Seed UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Tan Willis
Tan Willis- 80 days- Round lemon yellow tannish seeds. Pkt. (25seeds) $3.00 (Limit 1 Pkt.) Certified Organic Seed
Tri Color Bush
Tri Color Bush- 80 days- oblong very colorful seeds. Pkt. (25seeds) $3.00 (Limit 1 Pkt.) Certified Organic Seed
Tongue of Fire
Tongue of Fire- 75 days- Large round horticultural type, off pink base color with dark pink streaks. Supposed to have originated in Tierra del Fuego South America. 25 seeds Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Upland Navy
Upland Navy- 85 days- Medium sized white seeded navy. Very productive. Pkt. (25seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Vermont Cranberry
Vermont Cranberry - 85 days to dry - Use as both green shell and dry shell. Very colorful pre-1876 variety. Pkt ( 25 SEEDS). $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Zuni Shilako
Zuni Shilako- 90 days- a nice drought tolerant variety that produces well in poor conditions. Beans are a dark yellow with white.Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
pole shell beans
14 varieties to choose from. Pole beans do so much better here in the Midwest than do the bush types. Updated for 2026
Fat Man Buff
Fat Man Buff- 95 days- Tannish mauve seed, average climber. Seeds are roundish in shape. My friend Tom Knoche had obtained this one from a man in Michigan in the early 1980's PKT. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Fat Man Pole
Fat Man Pole- 90 days-another in a series of beans from Tom’s collection that were obtained from a man in Ogeman county Michigan. Seeds are white and round in shape. Pods are large and easy to shell at both green shell and dry shell stage. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Borlotto Lamon
​Borlotto Lamon- an Italian horticultural type, pink and white streaked used both as green shell and dry shell. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Fletcher Family Round White
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Fletcher Family Round White- 80 days- Short fat pods with large white seeds. Probably best used as shell but immature green pods have a great flavor. Originally from Joyce Fletterly of Michigan Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Garraful Imperial
Garraful Imperial- 90 days- Butterscotch colored, kidney bean shaped seeds. Some have slight streaks. Large easy to shell pods. Pkt ( 25 SEEDS) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Good Mother Stallard
Good Mother Stallard - 95 days - A family heirloom sent to me years ago that has now become quite popular, a very attractive, pinkish red streaked shiny bean. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Goose
Goose - 80 days - Vigorous pole beans. Great for green shell. Large brown seeds. Pkt( 25 seeds). $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Habellones Regal
Habellones Regal- 85 days- Beautiful, round seeds. White with a horticultural type cap. Unique and colorful. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Iroquois
Iroquois- 85 days- Vigorous grower, tall vines. Large black and white beans with a unique mottled and swirled pattern. The bean is said to have come from the Iroquois tribe where the name translated means skunk. Pkt. ( 30 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026 RABBITS!
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Mountain Climbers
Mountain Climbers- 80 days- Another heirloom from the Qualls family of Virginia. Plump pods produce a good green shell bean. 1 oz. Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Pink Tip Cornfield
Pink Tip Cornfield- 75 days- Sent to us by the Qualls family of Virginia. A beautiful 6 to 8 inch long, pale green pods with a slight pink tip at the blossom end. Seeds are large and brown. Makes a good green shell bean. . Pkt ( 25 seed). $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Red Goose
Red Goose- 80 days- large seeds of a deep red shades, vigorous plants produce well. Easy to shell and very colorful. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Riner Pole
Riner Pole- 90 days- large seeds of reddish brown color, huge producer. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00. Certified Organic Seed
UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
fall beans
( 5 varieties to chose from)
This is a special group of heirloom beans from Appalachia. They are usually pole beans used as a “string” bean, green shell bean and dry shell bean. Characteristics are shiny, round seeds. Updated for 2026
Grape
Grape - 90 days (to dry stage) - Vigorous climber, small, very round, purple seed. Heirloom from Magoffin County, Kentucky. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) Pkt. $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Nora Day White Fall
Nora Day White Fall - 95 days to dry - A true round fall bean. Vigorous climber and heavy producer. Pure white seed. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) . $2.75 Certified Organic Seed. UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Red Fall
Red Fall- 90 days- Round to oblong deep red beans . . Pkt. (25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Red Seeded Cornfield
Red Seeded Cornfield- 85 days - a very productive and colorful bean with loads of pods on medium strength vines. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Red Speckled Fall
Red Speckled Fall - 85 days - This is a bush bean more like an ordinary cranberry, longer and plumper than typical Fall Beans. Tall bush heirloom from Adams County, Ohio. Beans are red with some tan marbling. UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
SOYBEANS
The rabbits love this seed crop. This is ironic since we are surrounded by fields of genetically engineered Soybeans. Maybe the rabbits know something that we don’t know? We have many more types we’d like to offer but struggle with the rabbits. Updated for 2026
Butterbean
Butterbean- 85 days- A deep green soybean, used best as a green shell bean. Unavailable for 2026
Envy Soy Beans
Envy Soy Beans- 80 days- Nice sized, early, bright green soy. UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
MISCELLANEOUS BEANS
This is a hodge podge of beans that don't fit into any other category. Updated for 2026
Adzuki
Adzuki- 80 days- Tiny, red seeded. Good for sprouts. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $2.50 Certified Organic Seed
Black Pod Gram
Black Pod Gram- 80 days- Mung bean type. Eaten as a green vegetable (Indonesian cuisine). The green pods are cut in small chunks when young. Plants get 3 feet tall. Seeds are very small. Pkt. (100 seeds) $1.50 Certified Organic Seed
Brown Tepary
Brown Tepary - 75 days- Buff-brown seeds, drought tolerant desert variety from the Southwest. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed
Hyacinth
Hyacinth- 100 days- Best grown as an ornamental. Plants are very vigorous viners. Leaves have a purplish cast. Flowers are a very beautiful lavender.UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Little White Soup
Small tepary bean that does very well in poor soil and dry conditions. 25 seeds $3.00. Certified Organic Seed
Mat Bean
Mat Bean- 85 days- Tiny seeded, Mung bean type. Plants are vigorous and forma thick carpet of foliage UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Red Hyacinth
Red Hyacinth- 90 days- A beautiful ornamental. Plants are vigorous viners. Leaves are pale colored with bright white flowers. Pods are a glistening greenish white with red seeds. Much earlier than the regular Hyacinth. Pkt. ( 25 seeds) $3.00 Certified Organic Seed UNAVAILABLE FOR 2026
Tan Pod Green Mung
Tan Pod Green Mung- 80 days- Tan podded version of the gram bean. Very small seeds. 100 seeds Pkt. $2.00 Certified Organic Seed
Sword (Canavalia gladiata)
Sword (Canavalia gladiata) - 120 plus days - An ornamental bean we have searched for many years. Darrel Jones in Alabama was able to get us a good crop of this very late bean. It is best used as an ornamental as questions exist about what is and isn’t edible. Seeds are huge and bright pink. We will have more details next year on culture when we have grown a crop here. Pkt. (15 seeds) $3.00
White Tepary
White Tepary- 90 days- White seeded, full bushy plants loaded with small pods. Does exceptionally well in dry conditions. (25 seeds )Pkt. $2.00. 2 pkts. for $3.50 Certified Organic Seed
Winged Bean
Winged Bean- 90 days- Psophocarpus tetragonolobus a very interesting bean like plant that is high in protein. (25 seeds )Pkt. $3.00
fava beans
Different than most beans these like it cool and can be planted when you plant peas.
Aquadulce
Aquadulce- 65 days- big brown seeds. 1 ounce pkt. $2.00
Bell
Bell- 75 days- Unusual small seeded, small reddish brown seeds, does well in areas where it can over winter. 25 seeds. Pkt. $1.50
Masterpiece Green Pod
Masterpiece Green Pod- 70 days- Large green seeded 1 ounce Pkt. $2.00
Sweet Lorane
Sweet Lorane- 85 days- light colored seed coat, means less tannins and less bitter. 25 seeds Pkt. $2.00 Certified Organic Seed