Broughton Astley Polish Bean (Pole)

Phaseolus vulgaris 

Seeds per pack: ~ 35 

Germination: 92% (Packed for 2027)

Origins and History of Domestication

Broughton Astley Polish Bean is an heirloom variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a member of the Fabaceae family, which includes peas, lentils, and other legumes. The common bean originated in the Americas, where it was domesticated independently in Mesoamerica and the Andean region of South America thousands of years ago. Indigenous farmers developed an extraordinary diversity of beans, selecting varieties for seed color, flavor, growth habit, productivity, and adaptability to different climates. Following European contact with the Americas in the late 15th century, common beans were introduced to Europe, where they became important crops in household gardens and agricultural communities. Over successive generations, European gardeners and farmers selected locally adapted varieties, contributing to the diversity of heirloom beans cultivated today.

History, Spread, and Diversification

Broughton Astley Polish Bean is associated by name with Broughton Astley, a village in Leicestershire, England. The term "Polish" may suggest a connection to Polish agricultural traditions or European seed exchanges, although the variety's precise ancestry and the origin of its name have not been firmly documented. Its history is best understood within the broader tradition of European heirloom beans, which were maintained through household seed saving, local cultivation, and exchanges among gardeners. 

Our friends at Adaptive Seeds, our source for these seeds, describe this multipurpose bean as follows: "Beautiful green speckled purple pods are small but also taste good as a snap bean. Small, round, lavender-speckled brown dry beans are so beautiful they’re like jewels. Early and productive. Delicious and very tolerant of cool maritime weather."  Adaptive received this bean from Keith Parkins on their initial Seed Ambassadors trip to England in 2007. He stated that “this type of bean, locally known as 'Polish Beans,' had been grown in allotment gardens in his village of Broughton Astley for over 40 years."

Appearance and Characteristics

Broughton Astley Polish Bean belongs to the highly diverse common bean species, whose varieties produce elongated pods containing seeds of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Like other common beans, it is a warm-season annual with trifoliate leaves, small pea-like flowers, and pods that develop after successful pollination. Common beans are predominantly self-pollinating, making them particularly suitable for gardeners interested in maintaining heirloom varieties through seed saving.

Culinary Uses

Like many traditional European heirloom beans, Broughton Astley Polish Bean may be suitable for use as a fresh shelling bean or dried culinary bean, depending on its particular pod and seed characteristics. Shelled beans can be incorporated into soups, stews, casseroles, and vegetable dishes, where they contribute protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. Mature dried beans are especially useful in hearty preparations featuring onions, garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and root vegetables. They may also be incorporated into traditional Polish-inspired bean soups and slow-cooked dishes. If harvested while young and tender, the pods may be edible as snap beans, although this use should be verified for the variety. Mature beans should always be thoroughly cooked before consumption, as raw or undercooked common beans contain potentially harmful lectins.

Growing Tips and USDA Hardiness Zones

Broughton Astley Polish Bean can be grown using standard cultivation practices for Phaseolus vulgaris. Common beans perform best in full sun, receiving at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, and in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They are warm-season annuals that can be cultivated throughout USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10, provided the growing season offers sufficient frost-free days. In Zones 3–5, planting should begin after the final spring frost when soils have warmed adequately. In Zones 6–8, beans generally thrive when planted from late spring through early summer, with additional late-summer plantings possible where the growing season permits. In Zones 9–10, spring and fall planting may provide better results than growing during extreme summer heat.

Sowing Depth, Spacing, and Plant Care

Direct sow seeds approximately 1–1.5 inches deep after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 60°F, preferably 65–75°F for reliable germination. Space seeds approximately 4–6 inches apart, with rows 18–30 inches apart. If the variety is confirmed to have a climbing growth habit, provide sturdy trellises, poles, or fencing and allow adequate space for vertical growth. Bush-type plants generally require less support. Maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly during flowering and pod development, while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Apply organic mulch after seedlings become established to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperatures. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of pod production.

Days to Maturity

As a general reference, common beans may produce tender green pods approximately 50–70 days after sowing, while shelling beans often require 70–90 days. Beans intended for dry seed production generally need approximately 90–120 days, depending on variety, temperature, rainfall, and growing conditions. These figures are species-level estimates rather than confirmed maturity dates for Broughton Astley Polish Bean.

Harvesting Guidance

For fresh consumption, harvest pods while they are young and tender, before the seeds become fully developed, provided the variety proves suitable for snap-bean use. For fresh shelling beans, allow the pods to fill out and the seeds to become plump while the pods remain somewhat flexible. For dried beans and seed saving, leave the pods on the plants until they turn brown, papery, and dry. Harvest before prolonged wet weather causes mold, discoloration, or premature germination. If frost or excessive rainfall threatens, entire plants can be pulled and hung in a dry, well-ventilated location to finish drying. Once fully dry, shell the beans and remove damaged or discolored seeds. For long-term seed preservation, ensure seeds are thoroughly dried before placing them in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry environment. Properly dried and stored bean seeds can remain viable for several years.

BEAN GROWING GUIDE