Charlevoix

Family: Fabaceae Legume

A slow, steady beauty for the pantry—Charlevoix dry beans mature into a rich, earthy harvest with a clean, nutty flavor and a firm, satisfying bite.

The seeds dry down to a uniform look that’s easy to sort and store, yet they cook up with a comforting, velvety tenderness that holds its shape. Grow Charlevoix for dependable yields and the kind of wholesome character that makes every pot feel like a tradition.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 95 DaysHabit: Bush

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 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Charlevoix is a pantry bean with a nutty, earthy flavor and enough structure to stay intact in long cooking—no sad mush, just velvety tenderness on the way. It’s built for slow heat and aromatics, where its starches thicken the pot without turning grainy, and a bright splash of vinegar at the end keeps it tasting awake.

Best Uses

slow-simmered bean soup with a silky broth
chili or ragù where beans must hold their shape
creamy-style purée (blend with stock) for tacos or bowls
warm bean salad dressed while still slightly hot

Flavor Profile

clean, nutty earthiness starchy, hearty comfort firm bite that turns tender without collapsing

Kitchen Pairings

onion garlic smoked pork bay leaf thyme apple cider vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Phaseolus vulgaris (red kidney/charlevoix beans), and how can I manage it?

Watch for bean rust and fungal leaf spots (often worsened by wet foliage and crowded plants). If you see orange/brown pustules or spreading spots, remove affected leaves, water at the soil line, and improve airflow by spacing plants; use an appropriate labeled fungicide if the issue is spreading. Also check for aphids and bean beetles—knock them off with a strong spray or use an insecticidal soap for early infestations.

During the main growing phase, how often should I water Phaseolus vulgaris to keep the soil moisture right?

In the main pod-filling period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, typically watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Water deeply to encourage root growth, and avoid soaking the leaves because moisture on foliage increases rust and leaf-spot risk. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings to prevent stress and oxygen-poor conditions.

How do I tell when Charlevoix (Phaseolus vulgaris) is ready to harvest for dry beans?

Harvest when the pods are fully developed and have turned tan/dry, and the seeds inside are hard and rattle when you shake the pod. The plants should look mostly dried down at about 95 days to maturity; for best quality, pick on a dry day. After harvesting, dry beans further indoors until seeds are very hard and you can’t dent them with a fingernail.