Vermont Cranberry

Family: Fabaceae Legume

A slow, steady season brings you Vermont Cranberry’s richly colored dry beans—warm cranberry-red to deep rose-brown with a subtle speckle that looks like sun-flecked stone.

Once cooked, the beans turn tender and creamy with a gentle, nutty savor, holding their shape beautifully for hearty pots and spoonable favorites. Grow with confidence for a dependable 90-day harvest and a pantry-worthy bounty that feels as special as its name.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Vermont Cranberry

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)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Vermont Cranberry dries down to a bean that cooks up tender but still keeps its shape—great when you want creamy comfort without the collapse. Its nutty savor loves smoky, porky warmth and a bright hit of vinegar to sharpen each spoonful.

Best Uses

slow-braised bean pot with aromatics for spoonable tenderness
chili or ragù-style bean base that stays intact instead of going grainy
thick mash for bean cakes or spreadable bowls

Flavor Profile

gentle nutty savor creamier texture once simmered clean, bean-forward richness

Kitchen Pairings

bacon onion garlic tomato paste smoked paprika apple cider vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Phaseolus vulgaris (Vermont cranberry beans), and what should I do if I see it?

A common issue is bean rust or fungal leaf spots, which show up as small reddish-brown pustules or dark spots on leaves and can spread quickly in humid weather. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants properly, and water at the soil line (not the leaves) to keep foliage dry. If problems persist, apply a labeled fungicide for edible beans according to the product directions and start early at the first signs.

How often should I water Vermont cranberry beans during the main growing phase?

During the main growth and pod-filling period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water about 1–2 times per week, increasing to more frequent watering during hot, dry spells, and aim for deep soaking rather than light daily sprinkles. If you see wilting during midday heat but leaves rebound by evening, it’s a sign to adjust toward more even moisture rather than letting soil dry out fully.

How can I tell when Phaseolus vulgaris (Vermont cranberry) is ready to harvest?

Harvest for fresh snap beans when pods are firm and still tender, typically about 90 days from sowing; pods should be slender and you can easily snap them without strings. For shelling (cranberry beans), wait until pods are dry and the seeds inside rattle when shaken, then harvest and finish drying indoors if needed.