Iroquois Skunk Pole Bean is a treasured heirloom from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) of the Great Lakes — an early-maturing, vigorous pole bean with centuries of Indigenous agricultural heritage behind it. Vines exceed 8 feet, producing abundant pods throughout the season with strikingly patterned black-and-white dry beans that cook quickly with a rich, creamy flavor. Dual-use variety: harvest immature for tender snap beans, or allow pods to fully dry on the vine for reliable long-term storage and seed saving. These impressive climbers scale tall cornstalks with ease — even those reaching 7–9 feet — making them both highly productive and visually ornamental. About 600 seeds per pound.

Germination Rate: 96%. Test Date: 1/26. FF.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 70%.

Why Choose Iroquois Skunk Pole Bean?

• Living Heirloom Heritage: A direct descendant of centuries of Haudenosaunee agricultural tradition — one of the most historically significant dry beans available to home gardeners.
• Striking Black & White Patterned Beans: Visually ornamental in the garden and on the plate — a conversation piece at the farmers market and dinner table alike.
• Dual-Use Versatility: Harvest young as tender snap beans OR allow to fully dry on the vine for a creamy, quick-cooking shelf-stable pantry staple.
• Vigorous 8+ Foot Vines: Prolific climbers that scale tall cornstalks, trellises, and supports with ease — abundant yields from minimal garden footprint.
• Early-Maturing for Northern Gardens: Well-adapted to cool, short-season climates where other dry beans may struggle to fully mature.
• Quick Cooking Dry Bean: Cooks faster than many other dry bean varieties — rich, creamy texture with excellent flavor.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Save seeds year after year — a self-sustaining variety with genuine historical significance.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Requires full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours per day — for best growth, pod fill, and dry bean maturation.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Beans fix their own nitrogen — avoid over-fertilizing.
• Planting: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil temps reach 60°F. Pole beans do not transplant well — direct sow only.
• Support: Essential — vines exceed 8 feet. Install trellises, poles, or tall cornstalks (7–9 feet) before planting. Iroquois Skunk is ideal for Three Sisters plantings.
• Spacing: Sow seeds 1–2 inches deep, 4–6 inches apart at the base of supports. Thin to 6 inches apart. Space rows 24–36 inches apart.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Reduce watering as pods begin to dry down for dry bean harvest.
• Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization needed — beans fix atmospheric nitrogen. A light balanced fertilizer at planting is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers once vines are established.
• Harvesting as Snap Beans: Pick young pods before seeds swell for fresh eating as tender snap beans.
• Harvesting Dry: Allow pods to dry fully on the vine. Harvest when pods are papery and seeds rattle inside. Shell and dry further indoors for 1–2 weeks before storing.
• Soil Enrichment: After harvest, chop spent vines and till into the soil to return fixed nitrogen and organic matter.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Quick Stovetop: Soak overnight, drain, and rinse. Simmer in fresh water for 45–60 minutes — Iroquois Skunk cooks faster than most dry beans, delivering a rich, creamy texture.
• Slow Cooker: No soaking needed. Add beans and water and cook on low 5–7 hours until tender.
• Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot: No soaking needed. Cook on high pressure for 20–25 minutes, then allow pressure to release naturally.
• Soups & Stews: Add cooked Iroquois Skunk beans to hearty bean soups, stews, and chili for creamy, protein-rich depth.
• Fresh Snap Bean: Harvest young pods and steam or sauté for a quick green bean side — no need to wait for dry-down.
• Three Sisters Inspired Dishes: Combine with corn and squash in traditional Indigenous-inspired preparations — a nutritionally complete, historically meaningful meal.

Order Iroquois Skunk Pole Bean Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh and dried Iroquois Skunk pole beans in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to cooked dry beans, not seeds. Per ½ cup cooked beans, approx. 86g.)

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 0.4g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 7g
• Total Sugars: 0.5g
• Protein: 7g
• Folate: 120mcg (30% DV)
• Iron: 1.8mg (10% DV)
• Magnesium: 55mg (13% DV)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in size, color pattern, and maturation. Results may vary based on growing conditions, climate, and gardening practices.
• Support Required: Iroquois Skunk is a vigorous pole bean with vines exceeding 8 feet. Sturdy trellises, poles, or cornstalks are required. Not suitable for unsupported bush-style growing.
• Dry Bean Note: Allow pods to fully dry on the vine before shelling. Shell and dry further indoors for 1–2 weeks before long-term storage. About 600 seeds per pound.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration in an airtight container extends viability. Properly stored bean seeds remain viable for 3–4 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10. Early-maturing variety well-adapted to cool, northern, and short-season climates. Consult your local extension service for zone-specific guidance.

At David's Garden Seeds®, we take pride in bringing you heirloom seeds you can trust — grown with integrity, backed by decades of experience, and selected for home gardeners who care about what they grow and what they eat. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your garden.