GROWING GUIDE - TEPARY BEANS

Looking to grow tepary beans in your garden? This guide covers planting, watering, harvesting, and storage so you can grow a reliable crop—even in hot, dry conditions.

QUICK FACTS

• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil is best; water consistently during germination
• Planting depth: 1–1.5 in.
• Spacing: 4 in. apart; rows 12–16 in. apart (wider spacing encourages bushier plants)
• Suitable for Canadian growing conditions when planted after frost
• Follow package instructions for best results
• Contact T&T Seeds for personalized growing advice

TEPARY BEAN PLANTING & CARE

Native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, tepary beans are heat- and drought-tolerant, quick to mature, and more resistant to some common bean diseases. They’re a nutritious, high-protein bean with a naturally low glycemic index.

GROWING

Planting time: Sow outdoors after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed—typically mid-to-late May in many Canadian regions. (In their traditional climate, teparies are often planted later to take advantage of summer rains.)

Soil: Tepary beans are drought-tolerant once established, but they still perform best in soil that drains well and isn’t waterlogged. Incorporate compost if needed to improve soil structure.

Planting depth & spacing: Plant 1–1.5 in. deep. Space seeds about 4 in. apart, with rows 12–16 in. apart. Wider row spacing can encourage bushier growth and improves airflow.

Watering: Plant into moist soil and water thoroughly after sowing. Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) until germination, usually 4–8 days.

Once plants reach about 8 in. tall, reduce watering. Water only when plants show signs of stress (drooping/limp leaves). Overwatering can reduce flowering and pod set.

HARVESTING

When to harvest: As pods begin to turn brown and dry (often mid-September to October), stop watering to help pods finish drying. Harvest when roughly 80% of the pods on a plant are brown and dry.

How to harvest: Pull or cut the whole plant. Any remaining green pods can finish ripening after harvest.

Drying & shelling: Let plants dry for a few days until pods are fully brown. Lay plants on a tarp and gently stomp or strike them to release the beans.

Winnowing: Remove stems and leaves, then toss beans lightly so wind can blow away chaff, or swirl beans in a colander to separate debris.

STORAGE & COOKING

Storage: Store fully dried beans in a cool, dry, dark place in an airtight container.

Cooking: Tepary beans typically take longer to cook than common beans. For best flavour and texture, simmer slowly until fully tender. Refrigerate cooked beans for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 6 months.

When substituting teparies for other dried beans, expect longer cooking time and plan for extra water during cooking.

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of tepary beans and find the right varieties for your garden.

Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.

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