Red Hawk

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Savory-sweet aroma blooms as the pods mature, then the seeds dry down to a striking, velvety red that feels almost plush in the hand.

“Red Hawk” dry beans develop a dense, creamy interior when rehydrated, with a smooth, satisfying bite and a rich, earthy depth that shines in hearty pot-style favorites. Grow them for pantry-ready staples—ideal for bean-forward soups, stews, and slow-simmered dishes where their color and character hold their own.

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

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

“Red Hawk” dry beans rehydrate into a dense, creamy core with a plush chew—exactly what you want when you need the beans to hold their personality through hours of simmering. They take to slow heat and assertive aromatics (cumin, smoked paprika, bay) while a splash of acid at the end keeps the earthy sweetness clean.

Best Uses

soak-to-pot chili and bean stews where the beans stay intact
slow-simmered soups that need creamy body without starchy thickness
pantry rehydration for braises with browned aromatics
batch-cooked beans for mashable sides or thickened bowl recipes

Flavor Profile

earthy, savory depth slightly sweet bean aroma dense, creamy interior after rehydration smooth, satisfying bite with a velvety mouthfeel

Kitchen Pairings

onion garlic smoked paprika bay leaf cider vinegar ground cumin

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Phaseolus vulgaris (red kidney/Snap type beans like “Red Hawk”), and how can I control it?

Common problems include bean rust and anthracnose, which show up as orange-brown or dark spots on leaves/pods, often after warm, humid weather. Remove and discard infected foliage early, avoid overhead watering, and water at the soil line; in small gardens you can also use a labeled copper-based fungicide according to the label if symptoms start. For pests, watch for aphids and treat early with a strong water spray or an insecticidal soap, since pods can be damaged quickly as plants approach their 60–90 day pod-filling stage.

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

During flowering and pod-filling (roughly mid-season through about day 75+), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total rainfall plus irrigation, split into 2–3 watering sessions during hot spells. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root stress, while ensuring moisture returns quickly before plants start wilting. If you’re growing in containers, check moisture daily and water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.

How do I tell when Phaseolus vulgaris “Red Hawk” is ready to harvest?

Harvest timing depends on whether you’re growing for dry beans or shelling fresh beans. For dry beans (typical for kidney/“bean” types), wait until pods are fully mature and dry, with most pods turning crisp and tan/brown, then harvest and cure a few days in a warm, dry spot. For fresh/shelling beans, pick when pods are swollen and beans fill out the pod but before they harden—once beans are firm and their color is fully developed, usually around the 95-day maturity window.