
(Phaseolus vulgaris); Heirloom; Bush bean with runners; Dual purpose: shelly or dry; Minimum 20 seeds
This versatile heirloom variety dates back to eighteenth century Russia. During a time of famine, Catherine the Great encouraged the immigration of German Mennonites to settle and farm regions near the Volga River. Many years later, as the Mennonites were deported or sent to Siberia they carried this bean with them.
A sprawling bush bean, Volga German Siberian needs space and perhaps a short trellis, as its rambling runners can spread up to 3 feet. Eye-catching streaked pods hold the cranberry/borlotti type beans which are exquisite in both the shelly or dry stages. Good producer for us.