Orca

Family: Fabaceae Legume

A cool-season favorite with a satisfying, hearty bite—Orca dry beans mature into richly colored, dependable pods and fill with smooth, uniform dry seeds prized for their deep, savory character.

Expect a firm, meaty texture that holds its shape beautifully for long-simmered favorites, making Orca an excellent choice for pantry staples. Grow for reliable harvest timing around 90 days and a crop that feels as rewarding to raise as it is to savor.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 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 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

Orca dry beans cook into uniform, firm, meaty bites that hold their shape through hours of simmering—no mushy disappointment. They’re built for broth-soaking comfort food: render fat, sweat aromatics, then let the beans drink and finish with vinegar for a clean snap.

Best Uses

long-simmered baked beans
sturdy bean soups and stews that need body
braised beans finished with olive oil and acid
pantry-style bean purées for thick dips

Flavor Profile

deep savory beaniness firm, meaty chew clean, starchy sweetness absorbs broth without collapsing

Kitchen Pairings

smoked pork onion garlic cider vinegar bay leaf black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) and how can I control it?

Watch for bean rust (rust-colored spots on leaves) and powdery mildew (white powdery coating), especially in humid weather. Remove and destroy infected leaves, then improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line. If problems persist, use a labeled fungicide for edible beans and apply early when spots first appear.

How often should I water Phaseolus vulgaris during the main growing phase (90-day season)?

During flowering and pod set, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry; beans will abort flowers if the soil dries out. Avoid frequent light watering that leaves the root zone unevenly wet.

How do I know when my Phaseolus vulgaris (green beans/dry beans) are ready to harvest?

For green beans (edible pods), harvest when pods are firm and crisp and reach the variety’s typical length, usually 50–60 days after sowing. For dry beans, leave pods on the plant until foliage yellows and pods rattle when shaken, then harvest and dry further indoors before storing.