Phaseolus lunatus

Available for purchase from 1 July 2025  

Kurzer’s Calico Traveller is a visually captivating bush lima bean with a rich American heirloom history. Originally stewarded by Doug Kurzer in Michigan and believed to have earlier roots in Mississippi, this variety is known for its speckled calico seeds, showcasing a blend of burgundy, tan, purple and brown. Despite occasional mislabelling as a climbing bean, it grows as a compact bush and remains one of the more beautiful and reliable dry bean options for warm-season growers.

The flavour and texture of Calico Traveller are equally impressive. The beans are smooth, creamy and subtly sweet, making them a favourite in soups, stews, baked dishes and even pureed into spreads like hummus. Whether harvested fresh for shelling or left to dry on the plant, these beans deliver both versatility and flavour depth.

For best germination, sow seeds directly once soil temperatures consistently reach 21 °C or higher, approximately three to four weeks after the last frost. Seeds should be planted 2–3 cm deep with 15 cm spacing between plants. Germination usually occurs within 5 to 8 days under optimal conditions. Calico Traveller is well-suited to open ground or large containers in full sun, and it performs best in warm, stable climates.

As a true bush lima, plants reach a mature height of 40 to 60 cm and require no staking. Pods begin to mature around 90 days from sowing, and should be harvested once dry and leathery. Shelling is straightforward, revealing the intricately patterned seeds inside. Dried beans store well and retain both their flavour and eye-catching colour.

To ensure robust early growth and improved yields, pre-treat seeds with SoyGro BeanFlo, a beneficial nitrogen-fixing inoculant formulated for Phaseolus species. This encourages stronger root development, enhanced nutrient uptake and improved long-term soil health.

Standard packet contains approx. 25 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 10 seeds