Great Northern

Dry Bean

90d to harvest

Aromatic, nutty-sweet dry beans with a clean, satisfying bite—Great Northern delivers a smooth, creamy interior when cooked and a refined, uniform look in the pot. The pods mature to a crisp, straw-dry finish, revealing plump, classic white beans that hold their shape beautifully for hearty staples. Grow Great Northern for reliable, home-garden harvests and a pantry-ready foundation for comforting favorites all season long.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 25th
Harvest Begins	Aug 23rd
Harvest Ends	Aug 29th

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

Recommended Companions

Metki Dark Green Cucumber

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Phaseolus vulgaris (Great Northern beans), and how can I prevent it?

Watch for common bean rust and anthracnose, which show up as brown/orange spots or dark lesions on leaves and pods—especially after warm, humid weather. Use clean seed, avoid wetting leaves when watering, and remove heavily infected plants early; for stubborn outbreaks, apply a labeled copper-based fungicide early when symptoms first appear.

How often should I water Great Northern beans during the main growing phase (about flowering to pod fill)?

Keep soil consistently slightly moist during flowering and pod fill: water when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry, typically about 1–2 inches of water per week total depending on heat and rainfall. Don’t let soil swing to drought stress or waterlog—beans are most sensitive to uneven moisture while developing pods.

How do I know when Great Northern beans are ready to harvest (Phaseolus vulgaris)?

For dry shelling beans (Great Northern type), harvest when pods turn tan/brown and sound papery, and the seeds rattle inside when you shake the pod. Pull plants on a dry day and then finish drying indoors in a warm, airy spot until seeds are hard and fully dry for storage.