Phaseolus vulgaris

African Premier Bush bean is a compact heirloom variety that traces its roots to Kenya. Known for its tidy growth and productive habit, this Kenyan cultivar produces stunning seeds speckled with black and brown on a pinkish-red background. Its neat form makes it especially suitable for smaller garden spaces or intensive interplanting systems, and it offers a valuable glimpse into traditional African food crop selections.

This variety is grown primarily for its dry beans, which are ideal for hearty stews, slow-cooked curries, and rich bean salads. The beans hold their shape well after cooking and carry a pleasant, nutty flavour that absorbs seasoning beautifully. African Premier is also suitable for short-term storage and adds a colourful touch to any dried bean mix.

Seeds should be sown 2–3 cm deep directly into moist, well-drained soil after all danger of frost has passed. They prefer soil temperatures between 18–24°C for optimal germination. Avoid pre-soaking bush bean seeds, as this can promote rot in cooler soils.

African Premier thrives in full sun and benefits from regular watering, particularly during flowering and pod set. Plants mature quickly and can be harvested as dry beans when pods have fully dried on the plant, typically within 75–85 days from sowing. Prompt harvesting prevents pod splitting and loss of seed.

Standard packet contains approx. 25 seeds
Petite packet contains approx. 10 seeds

Using Beanflo-Rhizobium bacteria when planting your bean seed is the most cost effective way of putting nitrogen fixing bacteria into your soil, creating healthier soil for a more productive harvest.