White Kidney Bean / Cannellini Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris • Fabaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Legume / Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
Central and South America; widely naturalized in Italy and the Mediterranean region.
📅 Days to Maturity
80-100 days for dry beans; 60-70 days if harvested young as green shells.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-11 (grown as a tender annual). Not frost tolerant.
About This Seed
The seeds are large, kidney-shaped, creamy white, and smooth with a thin skin. The resulting plant is typically a bush-type or semi-vining legume reaching 18-24 inches in height with trifoliate green leaves and small white flowers.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Warm season; plant after all danger of frost has passed and soil is at least 65°F (18°C).
Germination
Takes 8-14 days at 70-80°F (21-27°C). No light required for germination (darkness preferred). Do not soak seeds in water for too long as they may split.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1-1.5 inches deep, spaced 3-4 inches apart in rows 24-30 inches apart. Prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (6-8 hours daily). Requires consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod set, but avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.
Companion Plants
Beneficial: Corn, cucumbers, radishes, and summer savory. Avoid: Onions, garlic, and fennel, which can stunt bean growth.
Special Characteristics
High protein and fiber content; nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil health; excellent for storage when dried; resistant to many common bean mosaic viruses.