The Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush, also known as the Alabama Speckled Butterbean, is a type of butterbean that is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. This plant, scientifically known as Phaseolus lunatus, is a vigorous bush variety that produces an abundance of beautiful speckled pods.
One of the notable features of the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush is its depth of flavor. When cooked, the beans have a rich, buttery taste that is truly irresistible. Unlike other types of butterbeans, such as the Fordhook Lima which requires a long growing season, the Speckled Brown Butterbean can be harvested relatively late in the season.
Planting and spacing are crucial in achieving a successful Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush harvest. The seeds should be planted in a sunny location and about 1 inch deep. The spacing between plants should be about 6-8 inches, whereas the spacing between rows should be about 2 feet. With proper care and attention, the plants can yield a bountiful harvest in just 242 days.
The Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It is resistant to common garden pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners. The bush variety also eliminates the need for a trellis or pole, making it a convenient option for those with limited garden space.
In addition to the many culinary uses of Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush, these beans are also used in seed-saving. The seeds can be saved from mature pods and can be treated for long-term storage. The seeds are often used for future plantings or can be traded or sold in the market.
Beans Lima
Lima beans, also known as butterbeans, are a type of legume that belong to the Phaseolus lunatus species. They are hardy plants that yield a bountiful harvest of buttery-flavored beans. There are two main categories of lima beans: bush and pole. Whereas bush lima beans grow on compact plants, pole lima beans require support and can climb on trellises.
Butterbean Bush
One variety of lima beans is the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush, also known as the Henderson Bush Lima. These beans are widely grown in Alabama and are popular for their delicious taste and ease of cultivation. The Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush typically takes around 75-90 days to reach maturity and can be cooked to perfection.
When planting butterbean bush seeds, it is important to sow them at a depth of about 1-1.5 inches. The soil temperature should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination. It is worth noting that butterbean seeds should be treated with a fungicide before planting to prevent any diseases.
The harvested butterbean bush plants produce pods that can be described as beautiful and speckled. The beans themselves are medium-sized and have a buttery texture when cooked. They are often used in various dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles. The butterbean bush variety is known for its hearty nature and long keeping ability.
Pole Lima Beans
Another widely grown variety of lima beans is the Fordhook Lima Bean, which is a pole variety. These beans are vigorous climbers and require proper spacing and support to thrive. The pods of the Fordhook Lima Bean are larger compared to the bush variety and can be easily picked from the trellises.
Like the butterbean bush, the Fordhook Lima Bean is also known for its buttery flavor. It usually takes around 80-90 days to reach maturity and can be harvested for several weeks. The Fordhook Lima Bean is a popular choice in the market and home gardens for its taste, versatility, and good keeping qualities.
When it comes to harvesting lima beans, it is best to wait until the pods have fully matured and the beans inside have separated from the pod walls. Late harvest may result in the beans becoming tough and starchy. Once harvested, the beans can be shelled and cooked to enjoy their buttery goodness.
In summary, lima beans, or butterbeans, are a delightful legume variety that comes in different types such as bush and pole lima beans. The Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush and the Fordhook Lima Bean are both delicious options for planting in your garden. Whether you prefer the compactness of the bush variety or the climbing nature of the pole variety, lima beans are sure to bring a tasty addition to your meals.
Categories
Bush Beans: Bush butterbeans, also known as Phaseolus lunatus, are hardy plants that can tolerate frost to some extent. They are typically planted in the garden at a spacing of about 6-10 inches apart and at a depth of 1-2 inches. The bush varieties yield a smaller harvest compared to pole beans, but they are easier to manage and require less space.
Pole Beans: Pole butterbeans, also known as Phaseolus lunatus, are vigorous plants that can grow up to 10-15 feet tall. They are best grown on trellises or poles for support. The pole varieties yield a much larger harvest compared to bush beans, but they require more space and attention. The beans can be harvested when the pods have filled out and the seeds are plump.
Brown Butterbean: The speckled brown butterbean is a type of butterbean with a unique brown coloration. It is often described as having a nutty flavor and is a popular choice in southern cooking, especially in Alabama. The brown butterbean can be cooked and enjoyed in various ways, such as buttered or in soups and stews. It is considered a delicacy in the market and is highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Harvesting and Storage: Butterbeans can be harvested when the pods have developed and the seeds have filled out. The optimal time for harvesting is when the pods are still green and have not yet turned yellow. It is important to pick the beans regularly to encourage continuous production. After harvest, the beans should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. They can be kept for a long time if properly stored.
Notes: It is worth noting that speckled brown butterbean seeds can be treated with a fungicide to prevent diseases. The seeds can be direct seeded late in the season, around mid-July, to extend the harvest. Also, the seeds of brown butterbeans can be stored separately to maintain their unique characteristics. Additionally, the butterbean plant requires a temperature of at least 60 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and development.
Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush
The Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush is a type of bush bean that falls under the Speckled Brown Butterbean category. Unlike pole beans, bush beans do not require support and grow in a compact, bushy form. This variety of butterbean is known for its hardy and vigorous nature.
Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush plants should be spaced at least 6-8 inches apart, with rows spaced about 18-24 inches apart. It is best to plant them in late spring or early summer when the temperature reaches about 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. These seeds can be directly seeded into the garden at a depth of 1-2 inches.
The Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush produces beautiful pods that are speckled in brown. When harvested, the beans can be shelled and cooked as butterbeans. They can also be used to make delicious buttered bean dishes or canned for later use. The yields from this bush variety are usually abundant.
Note that the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush is not frost-tolerant. So if you live in an area with colder temperatures, it’s recommended to wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting. This variety of bush butterbean is a heat-loving plant and thrives in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush is a popular choice among gardeners who enjoy growing their own beans. The beans are nutritious and provide a good source of protein. They can be stored for a long time after harvest, keeping them for future use.
If you have not received any sprouts within 10-14 days after planting, you may want to consider treating the seeds with a fungicide before planting. This can help to promote germination and prevent any potential diseases from affecting the seedlings.
In conclusion, the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush is a beautiful and hardy bush bean variety that produces flavorful butterbeans. It is easy to grow and provides abundant yields. Whether added to soups, stews, or enjoyed on their own, these butterbeans are a delicious addition to any meal.
Planting & Harvesting Notes
When it comes to planting and harvesting the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
Planting
The Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush can be planted in late spring once the soil temperature reaches around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The beans should be planted at a depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches. Proper spacing between plants is important, with about 3-4 feet between rows and 1-2 feet between plants.
Harvesting
Harvesting the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush can begin around 75-85 days from planting. The beans will be ready for picking when the pods are filled and the beans inside have attained their mature size and color. To harvest, simply pick the pods carefully from the plant, being sure not to damage the plants or the beans.
The yields from the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush can be quite high, with each bush plant producing a significant amount of butterbeans. Once harvested, the beans can be cooked or preserved in different ways to enjoy their delicious taste.
Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush plants, including the Bridgeton type, are considered hardy and can tolerate long growing seasons. They are also known for being vigorous and can grow well in various climates. However, it is important to note that they are not frost-tolerant and should be protected during colder months.
In the market, the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush is often categorized under the lima bean family. While they are similar to lima beans, there are some differences in taste and appearance. The cooked Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush beans have a beautiful speckled texture and a rich buttery flavor.
If you have a garden and are looking to plant a vegetable crop, the Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush is a great choice. They are easy to grow, require minimal maintenance, and can provide a bountiful harvest. Whether you decide to grow them as a bush or pole variety, these beans can add variety and nutrition to your meals.
| Speckled Brown Butterbean Bush | Frost Tolerance | Days to Harvest | Yields |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phaseolus lunatus | Not frost-tolerant | 75-85 days | High yields |
| Phaseolus lunatus ‘Bridgeton’ | Not frost-tolerant | 75-85 days | High yields |
| Phaseolus lunatus ‘Fordhook’ | Not frost-tolerant | 75-85 days | High yields |
