The Growth of a Red Bean Seed

Sowing

• Planting bean seeds in warm soil speeds germination and establishment. Beans do not need much fertilizer, as they obtain nitrogen from the air through nitrogen fixation. They require plenty of even moisture and a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Seeds usually germinate within a week. At about 10 days from planting, leaves unfold completely. Within 50 days, the plants begin producing blossoms that eventually become bean pods.

Maturation

• Once a red bean seed has been growing for about 64 days, the pods reach a length of 3 to 4 inches and the seeds may be noticeable. By day 72, the oldest pods reach maturity, while remaining pods are still plumping their seeds. Since kidney beans are harvested as dry beans, growers wait until pods dry before harvesting. This is about day 90 with full plant maturity and ultimate harvest occurring perhaps 105 days after planting.

Growth Habits

• Red kidney beans are determinate plants that grow straight and upright. They incorporate a vegetative stage for the first 40 days and a reproductive stage from day 50 to 105. Indeterminate plants, which include navy and pinto beans, take less time to reach maturity. Kidney beans produce evenly developed beans due to their upright growth habit and may reach between 12 and 24 inches in height depending on the variety.

Varieties and Uses

• Red pinto beans are a commonly seen red bean, especially in Southwestern dishes such as chili, and in dishes including refried beans, salads and soups. However, many beans are used interchangeably with red pintos. Pinto beans, chili beans, azuki beans, Mexican red beans, Tolosana beans and Roman beans are all red beans that are used interchangeably with the red pinto bean.