Mayflower Pole Bean 12 Seeds

Phaseolus vulgaris

Mayflower Pole Bean (also known as Amish Knuttle Bean) is a rare and historic heirloom variety believed to have been carried to North America in the 1600s, with a long legacy in Indigenous and early settler agriculture. 

This vigorous climbing bean produces short green pods packed tightly with distinctive square-shaped seeds that are cream-coloured with beautiful rose or red speckling. Known as a “cut-short” bean, the seeds grow tightly within the pod, giving them their unique shape. 

It is highly valued for its rich, traditional bean flavour and versatility - excellent as both a fresh snap bean and a dry storage bean.

Days to Maturity: 90–100 days

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Variety: Mayflower (Amish Knuttle)
• Plant Type: Pole bean (climbing heirloom)
• Plant Height: 6–8+ feet
• Growth Habit: Vigorous climbing vine
• Pod Type: Short, slightly bumpy green pods
• Seed Appearance: Cream with red/rose speckles, square-shaped
• Flavor: Rich, hearty, traditional bean flavour
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Germination Time: 7–14 days
• Days to Maturity: 90–100 days

Key Features

• Historic heirloom bean with cultural significance
• Unique “cut-short” beans with square shape
• Dual-purpose: snap bean or dry bean
• Beautiful speckled seeds for storage or sale
• Vigorous climbing plants with strong yields
• Excellent for heritage and food security gardens

Garden Uses

• Fresh snap beans (young pods)
• Dry beans for soups, stews, and storage
• Heirloom and historical gardens
• Vertical gardening on trellises or poles
• Seed saving and sustainable gardening

How to Grow from Seed

Direct Sowing

• Sow seeds 1–1.5 inches deep after last frost
• Space seeds 4–6 inches apart
• Rows spaced 18–36 inches apart
• Provide trellis, fence, or poles for climbing
• Germination in 7–14 days

Growing Conditions

• Requires warm soil (minimum ~15°C)
• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
• Do not plant in cold soil (risk of rot) 

Care Tips

• Provide strong vertical support (6–8+ ft)
• Water regularly during flowering and pod development
• Harvest young pods frequently for continuous production
• Allow pods to dry fully on vine for dry beans
• Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer

FAQ

Why are they called “cut-short” beans?
Because the seeds grow tightly inside the pod, forming square or flattened shapes. 

Can Mayflower beans be eaten fresh and dried?
Yes. They are excellent as both snap beans and dry storage beans.

How tall do Mayflower beans grow?
They are a pole bean, growing 6–8+ feet and require support.

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