Yu Ho's Pole Bean

This special bean came to me through many hands.  I first grew them on the recommendation of avid Island gardener Will Lockwood who got them from another Island neighbor Pam Hart.  Pam was gifted these beans decades ago from her mother, Marian Berg, who received them from her Beacon Hill neighbor Yu Ho Wong in the 1970s or 1980s. Yo Ho passed these beans to Marion and told her to always plant them on April 19th!  Pam remembers this critical date because it is also her birthday.   

They came to me as Yu Ho beans so that is what I will call them as well.  They are long, tender and prolific green beans that taste great fresh, steamed, or can be canned or frozen for future use. Their vigor  requires a sturdy trellis!  The special story makes them taste even better.  

The photos are of Yu Ho and Marian living in Seattle.  Also of the fantastic tasting beans themselves which you will harvest by the handful!  

Growing Pole Beans

Seeds can be started indoors but, in my experience,  grow into healthier plants if direct sown.  Honor Yu Ho’s planting directions and planted them on April 19th!  Provide a sturdy trellis when you sow the seeds or as soon as they germinate-don’t wait until the growth tips are growing and falling all over.  Believe me I know because I have been guilty!  They will recover but won’t be happy.  Use anything you have around to prop them up- bamboo, rebar, an old piece of fencing perhaps?  Grow in full sun.

60 Days to Maturity

Packet contains 50 seeds