Gadra

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Gadra dry beans arrive with a rich, earthy aroma and a satisfyingly firm bite once cooked—each seed holds its shape beautifully while delivering a deep, savory flavor.

Expect a smooth, creamy interior when rehydrated, with a clean, uniform texture that’s ideal for hearty potfuls and slow-simmered favorites. Grow Gadra for dependable performance and a pantry staple you’ll reach for again and again.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 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 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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

Gadra’s standout is its seed integrity: it stays stubbornly whole while the interior turns creamy, so stews don’t turn grainy or mushy. It’s built for long, slow heat where that deep, earthy flavor blooms—think spoonable comfort with clean texture all the way to the bottom of the pot.

Best Uses

slow-simmered bean soups and potages
chili-style beans where you want intact seeds
lacto-fermented or brined bean preparations
thickening base for stews and braises

Flavor Profile

earthy, savory aroma firm, shape-holding bite creamy interior when rehydrated clean, uniform texture

Kitchen Pairings

chorizo onion garlic smoked paprika bay leaf olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) and what should I do?

Watch for bean rust or fungal leaf spots, which show up as small brown/orange spots or worsening leaf speckling during warm, humid weather. Remove infected leaves early, avoid wetting foliage when watering, and improve airflow by spacing plants so leaves dry quickly. If problems spread, treat with a copper-based fungicide labeled for beans and repeat according to the label schedule.

How often should I water Phaseolus vulgaris during the main growing phase (from flowering through pod fill)?

During flowering and pod fill, keep the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil consistently moist but not soggy—water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil, with deeper watering when the surface dries. If you let the soil dry out too much, beans may drop flowers and pods will be thinner. Use a drip line or soaker hose and water at the base to prevent leaf-spot conditions.

How can I tell when Phaseolus vulgaris is ready to harvest at about 85 days?

Harvest green pods when they reach full size and snap easily (for shelling beans, wait until pods dry and rattle with the seeds inside). For dry beans, let plants finish drying on the vine or in a protected area until pods are crisp and seeds are hard. Check a few plants near day 80–85: if pods are still pliable or seeds don’t feel hard, give them a little more time.