Bean Seeds - Bush - Dragons Tongue Wax
60 Days to maturity. Phaseolus vulgaris. Dragon Tongue Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, bush, snap, wax, romano, bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This charming wax bush bean is an old heirloom from Europe. It has yellow-green pods that are streaked and mottled with a gorgeous purple. Plants grow in a bush growth habit. Alternative names for this bean include "Dragon Langerie" and "Merveille de Piemonte" in some regions. This bean can be harvested as a green bean when pods are crisp or left to mature further and harvested as a shelling bean. The seeds are a mottled brown and very tasty. The Dragon's Tongue Romano Bush Wax Bean is more than just a bean; it's a conversation piece, a slice of history, and a gardener's delight. ~80 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Dragon Tongue Beans in the Vegetable Garden
When planting Dragon's Tongue beans, sow the seeds directly into the garden soil, as they do not transplant well. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 F. The beans thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and require full sun exposure. Consistent soil moisture is important for germination and early growth, so regular watering is advised until the plants are established.
Maintenance during the growing season is relatively straightforward. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Since beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, they generally do not require additional nitrogen fertilizers. Incorporating compost into the soil before planting can provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure. Companion planting with crops like corn, cucumbers, and radishes can be beneficial while planting near onions and garlic should be avoided due to potential growth inhibition.
Harvesting Dragon Tongue Beans
Harvesting can begin when the pods are about 6 inches long and before the seeds inside begin to bulge, typically around 60 days after planting. Regular harvesting encourages the plants to produce more pods. To harvest, gently pull or snip the pods from the plant to avoid damaging the stems. As a snap variety, Dragon's Tongue beans are best enjoyed when young and tender. If you prefer to use them as shell beans, allow the pods to mature fully until the seeds inside are plump.
About Dragon Tongue Bean Garden Seeds
Bred in the Netherlands in the 18th century, this variety was developed for its unique coloration and exceptional flavor.
Dragon's Tongue beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. The beans are low in calories and contain antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins from the purple pigmentation, which may offer anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits.
Its versatility allows it to be used in various culinary applications, from fresh salads to cooked dishes. When harvested as a shell bean, it can be added to soups, stews, and other hearty meals, providing a nutritious and flavorful ingredient.
The pods of Dragon's Tongue beans are a creamy yellow with bright purple streaks, making them visually striking. The purple streaks fade when cooked, adding an element of surprise to meals.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"This unique heirloom bean is a heavy hitter. It can be eaten as a snap bean, shelled for dry use, plus it is incredibly beautiful and easy to grow. If you want a break from the traditional green bean, give Dragon Tongue a try!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Dragon Tongue Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 30 g - Wholesale - Approximately 80 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 320 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,300 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 6,500 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 32,500 Seeds
Non-GMO Dragon Tongue Wax Bush Romano Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Wax - Wax beans (also called yellow beans) are very similar to green snap beans and have a similar flavor profile. The primary difference is they lack the chlorophyll that makes green beans green. The yellow hue looks like wax, hence the name. Romano - Romano beans (also known as roman beans, cranberry beans, saluggia beans, gadhra beans and rosecoco beans) are snap beans (edible pods) except for the shape, which is broad and flat, vs. the regular round cylindrical shape of regular snap beans. They are crunchy with a sweet flavor. |
| Dragon Tongue Bean Color: | Purple, Yellow, White |
| Dragon Tongue Bean Flavor: | Tender, sweet, juicy. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 60 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12-24 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
| Start Indoors: | Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
| Bean Pollination: | Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Snap - Snap beans have a fleshy edible pod. Snap beans are also commonly referred to as string beans or green beans (though not all snap beans are green). They are called snap beans because they make a snapping sound when you break them in half. |
| Pole or Bush Bean: | Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
| Plant Width: | 12 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Early - Ready for harvest around 45-65 days. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Bean Use: | Dry, fresh, snap, sauteing, stir-fries, soups, etc. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Mild heat and drought tolerance. |