Rattlesnake Pole Bean produces bright green pods with purple striations, resembling the pattern of a rattlesnake. This heirloom, open-pollinated variety is very prolific and can be harvested multiple times a week. Trellised vines grow to 10′ tall with bean production from top to bottom. Pods are 6-7″ long with exceptional flavor and texture for fresh eating. This variety does well for canning and freezing. Seeds are tan with dark stripes. If allowed to mature, dried beans are a great, hearty addition to soups.
Rattlesnake Pole Bean performs well in hot, humid areas that may experience prolonged dry periods. Not suggested for northernmost areas. We recommend using a strong, sturdy trellis such as a fence panel to support the plant foliage. Unlike bush beans which will stop producing after several harvests, pole beans will grow from spring until the first frost in fall or winter. During the heat of summer, beans may stop production and drop blooms. But production will resume once temperatures begin to cool in early fall.
Beans should be planted in spring after the last frost has occurred. Beans will germinate best once soil temps have reached 65 F or higher. Optimal germination temperature is around 77 F. Seeds can require 8 to 16 days to germinate, depending on the soil temperature.
Direct seeding is recommended. We suggest using a #6 plate on the Hoss Garden Seeder and modifying the hole size (if necessary) to fit the seed size. Beans should be planted relatively thick along the row and thinned to the desired spacing. Consider planting pole beans on both sides of the trellis to maximize the potential of the trellised area.
Rattlesnake Pole Bean Planting Information
Planting Method: direct sow
When to Plant: after last frost
Planting Depth: 1″
Seed Spacing: 3-4″
Row Spacing: 3′
Days to Maturity: 50
Disease Resistance: None
Jennifer Bressman (verified owner) –
These are my go to Breen bean. I grew them last year and they grew so many beans in such a small space I was giving beans away and to my chickens.