Phaseolus vulgaris

Blue Jay is a compact heirloom bush bean first discovered in 1977 by bean collector Russ Crow in Illinois, USA. It emerged as a natural outcross and quickly gained attention for its distinctive seeds, which are deep navy to purple with pale beige speckles and a unique white, whisker-like attachment scar. The plant forms a tidy bush about 35 to 40 cm tall with 8 to 12 productive branches, making it an ideal choice for home gardens with limited space.

Highly valued for both fresh and dried use, Blue Jay produces stringless green pods, some lightly streaked with purple, that are ready for picking at around 60 days. If left to mature, the pods dry down to yield beautifully patterned beans that are mild and nutty when cooked. These dry beans hold their shape well and are excellent in winter broths, soups and mixed bean dishes.

Sow directly into well-drained, warm soil at a depth of 2 to 3 cm once all danger of frost has passed. Space seeds 10 to 15 cm apart in rows 40 to 50 cm wide. Germination occurs in 7 to 14 days when soil temperatures are between 18 and 24°C. Avoid pre-soaking the seeds, particularly in cooler or damp conditions.

This variety performs best in full sun and needs consistent watering during flowering and pod set. Green pods can be picked early for fresh eating, or left to dry fully on the plant for storage use. Expect dry bean harvests at around 90 days from sowing.

For optimal results, inoculate seeds with SoyGro Beanflo. This natural microbial treatment enhances nitrogen fixation, leading to healthier plants and improved yields, especially in soils lacking a history of legume crops.

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.