Cherokee Trail of Tears Pole Bean 20 Seeds

Phaseolus vulgaris

Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean is a historic and deeply meaningful heirloom variety carried by the Cherokee people during the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. This exceptional pole bean produces abundant yields of shiny black beans that are prized for their rich, full flavour and excellent cooking quality.

The vigorous climbing vines produce both tender green snap beans when young and mature black beans when fully dried, making this a highly versatile and productive garden crop. It is also valued for its resilience, adaptability, and strong yields.

Days to Maturity: 65–75 days (snap beans), 90–100 days (dry beans)

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Variety: Cherokee Trail of Tears
• Plant Type: Pole bean (climbing)
• Plant Height: 6–10 feet (with support)
• Growth Habit: Vigorous climbing vine
• Pod Colour: Green turning purple
• Bean Colour: Shiny black
• Flavor: Rich, hearty, excellent for cooking
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Germination Time: 7–14 days
• Days to Maturity: 65–75 days (fresh), 90–100 days (dry beans)

Key Features

• Historic Cherokee heirloom bean with cultural significance
• Produces both snap beans and dry beans
• High-yielding and vigorous climbing plants
• Rich, hearty flavour ideal for soups and stews
• Beautiful black beans for storage and cooking
• Excellent for heritage and edible gardens

Garden Uses

• Fresh snap beans when young
• Dry beans for soups, stews, and storage
• Heirloom and heritage gardens
• Vertical gardening on trellises or poles
• Sustainable and food security gardening

How to Grow from Seed

Direct Sowing

Beans do best when sown directly outdoors.

• Sow seeds 1–1.5 inches deep after last frost
• Space seeds 4–6 inches apart
• Provide trellis, poles, or fencing for climbing
• Seeds germinate in 7–14 days

Growing Conditions

• Plant in warm soil (minimum 15°C)
• Choose full sun and well-drained soil

Care Tips

• Provide strong vertical support (6–10 ft trellis or poles)
• Water regularly, especially during flowering
• Avoid over-fertilizing (beans fix nitrogen)
• Harvest regularly to encourage production
• Allow pods to fully dry on the vine for dry beans

FAQ

Why is it called Trail of Tears Bean?
It was carried and preserved by the Cherokee people during the Trail of Tears, making it an important historical heirloom.

Can you eat it fresh and dry?
Yes. It can be harvested as green snap beans or dried for storage.

Is it a bush or pole bean?
It is a pole bean, requiring support and growing up to 6–10 feet tall.

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