Nautica Bean Seeds – Bush Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris

Vigorous bush bean variety that grows taller and fuller than many dwarf bush beans. It often reaches 18-24 inches in height with a spread of about twelve inches under ideal conditions. Despite its bush habit, the plants develop a lush, upright frame that fills out the garden beautifully while remaining self-supporting, eliminating the need for trellises or staking.

This variety produces tender, delicate pods that are noticeably smaller and finer than many other green beans, typically measuring 3-5 inches long. The slender, stringless pods are perfect for fresh eating, steaming, sautéing, or pickling, and they have a crisp, sweet texture that distinguishes them from bulkier bush beans.

Lavender blooms precede the pods, adding subtle visual appeal to the garden while supporting high yields. The plants are fast-growing and productive, reaching harvest in approximately fifty-five to sixty days from sowing. They perform well in raised beds, borders, or containers, making them suitable for gardeners with limited space. Thriving in full to partial sun and well-drained, fertile soil, they can be successively sown for an extended harvest throughout the growing season.

This heirloom, open-pollinated variety preserves historical flavour, appearance, and productivity, and remains true-to-type, allowing gardeners to save seed for future planting. Compact yet vigorous, with a visually impressive bush habit, small and fine pods, reliable days to maturity, and the ability to produce both fresh pods and mature dry beans, this bush bean is an outstanding addition to any garden, offering both beauty and utility in equal measure.

Growing Notes

• Days to harvest: Approximately 55–60 days from sowing
• Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
• Planting depth: About 1 inch
• Spacing: 3–5 inches between plants
• Frost tolerance: Not frost hardy

Nautica Bean thrives in cool spring or warm summer conditions, and can be successively sown to extend harvest throughout the season.

Culinary Uses

The tender young pods are perfect for fresh eating, whether steamed, sautéed, or added to salads and stir-fries. Their crisp texture and mild, sweet flavour also make them a good choice for pickling, such as in dilly beans. If allowed to mature and dry on the plant, the deep black dry beans can be stored for months and used in soups, stews, or other dishes requiring shelf-stable beans. The combination of small, tender pods and mature dry beans makes this a versatile, dual-purpose variety

Variety Notes

Nautica Bean is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, maintained through traditional seed saving practices rather than modern hybridization. Seeds from this variety produce true-to-type plants, allowing gardeners to save seed from year to year.