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Believed to originate with the Nez Perce tribe of Eastern Idaho, this light golden-brown dry bean was grown in northern Idaho in the 1930s by Henry Marcus Purnell and maintained for decades by the Denny Family. Small pods on small-leaved plants carry 5–6 seeds per pod, with ochre-colored seeds and up to 3-inch white flowers on 5-inch pods. An excellent all-purpose dry bean with a mild, creamy flavor — especially delightful refried. Similar to Indian Woman Yellow but smaller and with a lighter-colored seed coat. Very reliable and easy to grow in cool summer or short-season areas.
Mild and creamy — these beans are especially delightful refried with lard or butter and spices. Excellent in soups, stews, and baked beans. Their light ochre color holds well through cooking. A great all-purpose dry bean for the home pantry.
Direct sow after last frost when soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Sow 1 inch deep, 4 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart in full sun in well-draining soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen — beans fix their own. Water consistently but avoid waterlogging. Short, viney bush plants with an indeterminate habit are easy to harvest once most pods have dried down. Leave pods on the plant to dry fully, then harvest and shell. Save seed from best performers each season.
| Bean Type | Dry Bush Bean |
| Seed Color | Light golden-brown (ocher) |
| Flavor | Mild, creamy — especially good for refried |
| Pod Size | ~5 inches; 5–6 seeds per pod |
| Flowers | White, up to 3 inches |
| Growth Habit | Short viney bush, indeterminate, small-leaved |
| Planting Depth | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing | 4 inches |
| Row Spacing | 18 inches |
| Soil | Well-draining; pH 6.0–7.0; avoid excess nitrogen |
| Light | Full sun |
| Best For | Cool summers, short seasons, northern gardens |
| Heritage | Nez Perce tribe, Eastern Idaho; Denny Family, 1930s |
| USDA Zones | 3–12 (annual) |
| Latin Name | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Type | Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO, Annual |
Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden's success.