Calypso Bean (Organic)
Seed Count: Approx. 15 Seeds
Days to Maturity: 90
Bush variety, Dry Bean
Description: This cute Killer Whale bean originally came from the Caribbean. It was named after a style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago, during the early to mid-19th century. Naturally due to my Caribbean ancestry, I couldn't resist this cute dry bean. This bean is a killer for baking and soups (corny I know). The individual beans are round, with a mix of black and white, and have a contrasting eye. Its color is retained even after being cooked. They grow heavily on strong 15" plants. You can expect an average of 4-5 seeds per pod, and it adapts well to all types of production areas. Calypso beans are also known as the Orca or Yin Yang bean.
How To Grow
Sowing: Sow in average soil, in a sunny location, after the soil has warmed, as seeds may rot in cooler soils. Sow seeds 3 inches apart, in rows 24 inches apart, and cover with 1-2 inches of soil. For a continuous crop sow new seeds every two weeks. Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days depending on soil and weather conditions. Thin to 6 inches apart when seedlings are 1-2" high. Beans do great companion planted with beets, marigolds, carrots, celery, swiss chard, corn, cucumbers, peas, potatoes, strawberry, radish and cabbage.
Growing: In dry weather, keep soil well watered. Plants need about 2-3 inches of water per week during the growing season. Make sure foliage has time to dry in order to reduce disease. These beans grow in a bush habit and don't really need support, but I do sometimes provide support once they get filled with beans if I notice them falling over.
Harvesting: To harvest or to save seeds, allow for the pods to completely dry. If frost or rainy weather conditions threaten, pull the plants, and dry in a cool, dry place indoors. Beans should be completely dry 10-15 days later. Remove the seeds from the pods by hand, and store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 3 years.