Dark colored bean seed usually germinates better in cooler soil than white seeded varieties. I planted Provider several weeks ago and have a decent stand of green beans.

Jay

Definitely use the dark colored seed for cooler soil, save the white seeds for later.

I don't have good luck selling the purple beans, but we can them.

Marla

I'm also in Michigan,"The U.P.", I plant Provider(green), Carson (yellow),and Royal Burgundy (purple). Two years ago I started mixing all 3 colors together in one big basket (I sell them seperate too)-sold out every time !! I do this also with 6 colors of carrots and 4 colors of beets-sell out every time !! They come back for more every week !!
Deb

Thanks Jay for your encouragement.

I want to hear more about your colored carrots, I have a hard time growing carrots or rather starting them , I need to start a carrot growing tip post.
Maybe I will throw in some purples, just for variety.
thanks

The purple beans turn green when they are cooked !!
Deb

I have an heirloom green bean that is dark like Provider, but the beans are flat like a Romano. They taste really good. I'd like to know if they'd have any commercial value, or if they even have a name. I think I need to do some serious research.

I call the purple beans, 'green beans for dummies' since they are green after they're cooked enough.

Jon-I don't know if they would have commercial value, but if you grow them and they sell, that would be good enough for me. Probably not enough to sell the seeds, tho.

Love Jade - the beans are so special, and yield is not usually a problem. Have you tried some of the pole beans? Rattlesnake is my favorite - a lot of beans growing vertically instead of horizontally.

Provider, Provider, Provider! It is known for cold tolerance. I have planted it very early before, in fact...

will do this week.

Jade is a wonderful bean, but I haven't planted it. A friend did and I got some from him. He stated that Jade will hold on the plant longer than most, and I'll have to admit that I didn't get mine preserved as soon as I should have, probably 5-7 days after picking. the amazing thing is without refrigeration, they still SNAPPED like freshly picked.

My bean standbys are Provider, Contender, Cherokee Wax (black seed)and Royal Burgundry.

Marla