Boston Favorite

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Aromatic, earthy-sweet dry beans with a smooth, creamy interior promise a deeply satisfying bite once rehydrated—each seed holds its shape with a gentle, tender texture.

“Boston Favorite” develops dependable, uniform pods and fills them with plump, classic dry-bean kernels prized for hearty potfuls and pantry staples. Grow it for reliable harvests and the comforting, savory character that makes dry beans a year-round favorite.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Boston Favorite

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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Boston Favorite is built for the long simmer: its kernels hydrate into a creamy center without collapsing, so every bite stays distinct in soups, chili, and bean stews. Give it onion, garlic, and something smoky, and let it cook until the broth turns lightly starchy and spoon-coating.

Best Uses

slow-simmered bean pot with smoked fat and aromatics
seasoned dry-bean soup (thickened by natural starch)
chili or ragù-style beans where you want intact kernels
pantry-style rehydrated beans tossed into vinaigrette and herbs

Flavor Profile

earthy-sweet aroma savory, toasted-bean character creamy interior after rehydration firm-but-tender kernel that holds shape

Kitchen Pairings

onion garlic smoked pork bay leaf tomato olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Boston Favorite plants developing curled, sticky leaves or fuzzy gray mold near the stems?

Boston Favorite (cabbage-type lettuce) often gets aphids, which leave leaves sticky and distorted; check the undersides of young leaves and spray with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap if needed. If you see fuzzy gray growth or stem/leaf rot in cool, damp weather, remove affected leaves immediately and improve airflow between plants (thin to spacing you were given at transplant). Avoid wetting the foliage and don’t water late in the day so the head/foliage dries quickly.

How often should I water Boston Favorite during the 6–10 weeks before harvest?

In the main growing phase, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for water that penetrates to the root zone and then allow the top 1 inch to just start to dry before watering again. For most home gardens, this is about 1–2 deep waterings per week, increasing to 2–3 during hot spells, especially if you’re mulching lightly or in containers. Water at the base to prevent leaf wetness that can trigger rot.

How do I know when Boston Favorite is ready to harvest at around 90 days?

Harvest when heads are firm and feel dense when you gently press the center; leaves should be fully developed with a tight, pale-to-green head typical of Boston types. If you wait until the head feels soft or begins to open, it will get more bitter and can bolt faster in warm weather. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, and harvest in the morning for the best crunch and longest shelf life.