10 Heirloom Vegetables to Grow: Best Heritage Garden Guide

4. Dragon Tongue Bush Beans: A Heritage Garden Treasure

Origin and Characteristics

Dragon Tongue beans are a fascinating Dutch heirloom variety that dates back to the late 1800s. These unique beans feature stunning cream-colored pods with vibrant purple stripes that make them instantly recognizable. The pods grow to about 6-7 inches long and offer a crisp, tender texture with exceptional flavor.

Growing Requirements

Plant in well-draining soil with pH 6.0-6.8
Space seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches wide
Requires full sun exposure (6-8 hours daily)
Optimal soil temperature for germination: 65-85°F
Plant after all danger of frost has passed
Moderate watering needs – keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Support and Care Tips

While classified as a bush bean variety, some gardeners provide light support using:

Low trellises
Small tomato cages
Bamboo stake clusters
Natural companion plants like corn or sunflowers

Harvesting Guidelines

Harvest pods when they reach 6-7 inches in length
Look for prominent purple striping – indicates peak maturity
Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continuous production
Morning harvesting provides the crispest pods
Regular harvesting extends the productive season

Culinary Uses

Dragon Tongue beans offer incredible versatility in the kitchen:

Fresh eating in salads
Quick stir-fries
Traditional Dutch pickling
Blanching and freezing
Shell bean usage when fully mature

Seed Saving

To save seeds for next season:

Allow pods to fully mature and dry on plants
Wait for pods to turn tan and brittle
Shell beans when completely dry
Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place
Seeds remain viable for 3-4 years when properly stored

Coming up next: Discover the fascinating world of Lemon Cucumbers – nature’s perfect snacking cucumber that looks nothing like what you’d expect! Click “next” to learn how these tennis ball-sized, yellow fruits can transform your garden and your salads.