Red Kidney

Kidney Bean

95d to harvest

Plump and velvety in the hand, Red Kidney delivers a rich, brick-red seed with a classic kidney silhouette and a smooth, polished sheen. When simmered into hearty dishes, the beans soften to a tender, creamy texture with a gentle, earthy sweetness that holds its shape beautifully. A warm-season favorite for gardeners who love dependable harvests and pantry-ready dry beans.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 15th
Harvest Begins	Aug 18th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
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)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Howling Mob Corn

Shiofi Shiro Cucumber

African Marigold Marigold

Gladstone Onion

Excelsior Cucumber

Texas Early Grano 502 PRR Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Phaseolus vulgaris (red kidney beans), and how do I manage it?

Bean leaf beetles and aphids can chew foliage and leave sticky honeydew, and bacterial blights can show up as water-soaked leaf spots that expand quickly in warm, wet weather. Remove and destroy heavily spotted leaves early, keep plants spaced for airflow, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem when you first see aphids/leaf beetles. Avoid overhead watering and don’t work in the crop when leaves are wet to reduce spread of blight.

How often should I water red kidney beans during the main growing phase (after sprouting until pods fill)?

Water to keep the top 2–3 inches of soil consistently moist, which usually means about 1 inch per week total rainfall plus irrigation for Phaseolus vulgaris in full sun. During hot stretches, check daily and water when the soil surface starts to dry but before it becomes dusty, aiming at the root zone rather than the leaves. Cut back slightly once pods are well-formed so plants don’t stay wet, which increases disease risk.

How do I tell when red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are ready to harvest?

Harvest for dry beans when pods are fully swollen and the foliage has mostly yellowed and dried, and the pods sound hollow when tapped. For best quality, wait until seeds are firm and reach a dry, hard texture—typically around the crop’s ~95 days to maturity—then harvest all pods at once or in two passes. If pods still feel leathery or seeds dent easily, leave them a bit longer to dry on the plant.