Crimson Flowered Borlotto

Family: Fabaceae Legume

A slow-simmering beauty in the garden—Crimson Flowered Borlotto brings a vivid, painterly show of crimson blossoms that give way to richly patterned pods and, ultimately, beans with a warm, creamy base and bold crimson flecking.

When dried, the seeds develop a firm, satisfying bite and a mellow, nutty depth that shines in hearty dry-bean preparations and pantry staples. Grow this variety for its striking flowering display and its distinctive, speckled harvest that feels as special as it tastes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Crimson Flowered Borlotto

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)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Crimson Flowered Borlotto is built for the long simmer: the dry seed holds its shape better than many softer beans while turning luxuriously creamy in the pot. Expect warm, nutty flavor that plays perfectly with smoky pork and a tomato-leaning base—so it doesn’t collapse into mush in a stew.

Best Uses

slow-simmered dry-bean stews
thick, spoonable bean soups (blend a portion for body)
toasted-and-braised beans with bacon or smoked pork
bean salads where they’ll hold texture under vinaigrette

Flavor Profile

creamy, warm beaniness mellow nutty depth firmer, satisfying dry-bean bite subtle earthiness with a clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

bacon smoked ham onion garlic tomato paste black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Phaseolus vulgaris (borlotto beans), and how can I control it?

Watch for bean rust and anthracnose, which show up as brown/orange spots or dark lesions on leaves and pods, especially when foliage stays wet. Start by watering at the soil line and spacing plants for airflow, then remove and discard heavily spotted leaves; if problems persist, use a copper-based fungicide according to label directions and repeat as instructed. Also check for aphids and treat outbreaks with a strong water blast or insecticidal soap to protect tender new growth.

How often should I water Phaseolus vulgaris during the main growing phase?

During active flowering and pod set, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply 1–2 times per week rather than frequent light sprinkling, and aim for evenly damp soil down to several inches so plants don’t drop flowers or produce fewer pods. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, which is important for this 90-day crop.

How do I tell when Crimson Flowered Borlotto (Phaseolus vulgaris) is ready to harvest?

For dry beans, harvest when pods are fully filled and the plant has mostly senesced, with pods turning papery and brittle and seeds firm inside—typically around 90 days. If you’re harvesting for shelling green beans, pick pods earlier when seeds are just plump and still tender, before pods dry out. Always harvest on dry days to reduce mold risk during curing.