Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
The Asparagus Bean, botanically similar to the black-eyed pea, is a Southern Asia native described by Linnaeus in 1763. First planted at Monticello in 1809, Jefferson wrote his son-in-law, John Wayles Eppes: “It is a very valuable [vegetable], much more tender and delicate than the snap [bean], and may be dressed in any form in which Asparagus may, particularly fried in batter, or chopped to the size of the garden pea, and dressed…in the French way.” Our bean pods typically reach 10” at maturity.
Native Distribution: South Asia
Direct sow seeds 4 weeks after the last spring frost and provide support. This bean tolerates many pests and diseases, as well as heat, drought, and a range of soils. Approximately 8-10 asparagus bean seeds per packet.
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