How to Grow Red Kidney Beans

There are several varieties of red kidney beans, such as the Charlevoix, California Dark Red Kidney, Mecosta and the Montcalm. The Charlevoix strand tends to be more susceptible to viruses and bacteria than the Montcalm and Mecosta strands. Here's how to grow these nutritious beans in your garden.

Instructions

1. Choose an area of the garden where the plants will receive full sun. The soil should provide good drainage. Prepare the soil with 1 cup of organic fertilizer for every 10-foot row.

2. Plant in mid-May, or when there's no longer a threat of frost. Plant the seeds about 1-inch deep in rows that are 18 inches apart. Under the best conditions, about 85 percent of the seeds will germinate. Avoid overhead watering; either slow-soak the soil or use drip irrigation.

3. Watch for the seeds to sprout in about 8 to 16 days. The rows should be thinned, leaving the strongest plants about 3 inches apart. Allow enough room around the plants to provide circulation of air, which will help to minimize possible diseases.

4. Discontinue watering when the pods begin to dry out. The seedpods should be harvested when they are the color of straw. Pull the entire plant out and hang it from the roots to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Red kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutnin, a toxic substance that can cause illness. Raw red kidney beans contain a higher concentration of phytohaemagglutni. Before eating, beans should first be soaked for at least 5 hours, drained and then boiled for at least 10 minutes (see Resources below).

Resources

• Kidney Poisoning
• Montcalm Beans