Bonaire

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Bonaire field beans arrive with a rich, earthy aroma and a satisfyingly firm bite, their pods developing a deep, velvety green that feels substantial in the hand.

At maturity, the seeds offer a full-bodied, nutty flavor with a smooth, creamy texture when cooked, making them a standout for hearty pot meals and robust purees. Grow Bonaire for dependable midseason performance and a bountiful harvest that’s as rewarding to grow as it is to serve in comforting, farmhouse-style dishes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bonaire field beans have that rare balance of a firm, substantial bite that still collapses into a smooth, creamy mouthfeel—exactly what you want for thick soups and spoonable purees. Cook them in stock with aromatics and salt; they keep their nutty backbone instead of going watery.

Best Uses

hearty farmhouse pot likening—bay leaf and stock, then simmer until creamy
thick bean puree or spread, whipped smooth with olive oil and salt
braised beans in a tomato-leaning sauce that clings to the interiors
pan-seared beans (after boiling) for a firmer bite and browned edges

Flavor Profile

earthy, nutty flavor stays pleasantly firm before turning creamy when cooked velvety, full-bodied taste savory bean aroma with a clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil bacon or pancetta onion crisp-edged sourdough

Frequently Asked Questions

Bonaire (80 days) seedlings get damping-off—what should I do?

Damping-off is common when the soil stays cold and constantly wet, and it can quickly kill Bonaire seedlings at the soil line. Water from below only (or water lightly at the base) and remove any collapsing seedlings; then improve drainage by loosening the top 1–2 inches and reducing watering frequency until the surface dries between waterings. If you have ongoing losses, start fresh from new seed in warm, sterile seed-starting mix kept around 60°F for germination.

How often should I water Bonaire during the main growing phase?

From early growth through the main 80-day stretch, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly before watering again. Water deeply to soak the root zone, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, with more frequent watering during hot, windy weeks in full sun. Avoid daily light watering, which encourages shallow roots and increases the chance of rot and disease.

How can I tell when Bonaire is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 80 days when the crop shows full size and the edible part has reached its typical mature color and firmness for your variety. Do a quick firmness check—if it feels underdeveloped or watery, give it a few more days. For best eating quality, harvest in the morning and use soon after picking.