Butterscotch Beans

Named for their stunning golden-tan color and smooth, creamy texture, Butterscotch Beans are a treasured heirloom variety that brings both beauty and exceptional flavor to your garden and kitchen. These bush beans produce abundant yields of tender, stringless pods that develop into plump, butterscotch-colored dried beans perfect for soups, stews, and baked bean dishes.

Growing Information

Days to maturity: 85-95 days for dry beans (55-65 days for fresh shell beans)
Planting: Direct sow after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F; plant seeds 1-1.5 inches deep
Spacing: 4-6 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart
Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
Plant type: Bush bean, compact growth habit 18-24 inches tall
Zones: 3-10 (warm-season annual)

Harvest & Use

Harvest fresh pods when young and tender for snap beans, or allow to mature fully for shell beans and dry storage. The dried beans have a rich, nutty flavor with a creamy texture that holds up beautifully in long-cooking dishes. Perfect for classic baked beans with molasses, hearty soups and chilis, refried beans, bean salads, and protein-rich side dishes. Dried beans store for years in proper conditions when kept cool and dry.

Care Tips

Butterscotch Beans thrive with minimal care once established. Water consistently during flowering and pod development, providing about 1 inch per week. As nitrogen-fixers, beans improve soil health for future crops. Plant with corn, squash, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, or beets for excellent companion planting. Avoid planting near onions, garlic, or fennel. Plant with summer savory to deter bean beetles naturally.

Why Choose Butterscotch Beans

This dual-purpose heirloom offers exceptional versatility – enjoy as fresh snap beans or nutritious dried beans for year-round use. The creamy texture and rich, buttery taste make these beans stand out in any dish. Productive bush plants require no staking and deliver high yields throughout the season. As an open-pollinated variety, you can save seeds and maintain this treasured heirloom for future gardens while benefiting from the nitrogen-fixing properties that enrich your soil.