Masai Bush Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris

Masai beans are shortish, slender, tender and delicious.  A French Filet type bean of premium quality grows abundantly on nice, compact plants.  Beans are 4”-6” long and full of sweet flavor. 

This seed crop was grown by Farmer Rob and Farmer Liv at Plum Forest Farm on Vashon Island.  Masai is their favorite bush bean to grow and a customer favorite as well.  Here’s what they have to say about Masai- “We love the flavor and texture and usually just steam them and add a bit of butter and salt for a wonderful summer treat. We used to grow another French Haricot vert type bean that was also slender, and quite a bit longer. We found that the Masai would sell out much faster than the others at the market and people started asking for them by name. Or if they didn't remember the name "do you have any more of those yummy shorter beans?" They also keep well, which is to say if you miss picking it at its moment of perfection, it will still be very good for at least another week. It is also quite productive, and we pick them twice per week for a long season.

Growing Bush Beans

Seeds can be started indoors but, in my experience, grow into healthier plants if direct sown.  Wait until soil temperatures have warmed in mid to late May.  Thin to 4”-6” apart.  Bush beans do not need a trellis. Harvest often to tell the plant you are hungry and to please produce more beans!  Otherwise they stop flowering and mature their seeds. Grow in full sun.

55 days to maturity

Packet contains ~50 seeds