A highly productive small red bean developed in British Columbia, well suited to Canadian growing conditions.
At a glance
- ⏱️ Days to maturity: ~109–128
- 🌿 Growth habit: Semi-vining (scrambler)
- 📈 Yield: High
- 🌦️ Reliability: Moderate
- 🍲 Use: Chili, curry, rice & beans
Why it matters
Shuswap Red is a rare example of a locally developed Canadian dry bean that performs well across multiple growing regions. It offers a productive, adaptable alternative to imported red beans and contributes to regional food resilience.
Origin & history
This variety originated in the Shuswap region of British Columbia and is attributed to the late Ralph Moore of Creston. It has been shared through Canadian seed networks and grown successfully in multiple regions.
🌱 Growing notes
- Scrambling, semi-vining growth (not a true pole bean)
- Vines reach ~80–100 cm
- Benefits from support (fence or poles)
- Strong root attachment and vigorous branching
- Pods produced mainly on lower to mid portions of plant
- Ground-growing increases risk of mold and dirty pods
📊 Performance & Climate
Performance snapshot
- Yield: up to 0.39 kg/m (with support)
- Days: ~109–128 depending on season
- Reliability: Moderate
- Key trait: high yield for a small-seeded red bean
Observed performance
Saanich Peninsula, BC (Coastal)
- Days: 109–128
- Yield: up to 0.39 kg/m
- Notes: Strong yields when supported; delayed in cool, damp years
Salmon Arm, BC (Interior, Zone 6b)
- Days: ~92–113 (from May 25 sowing)
- Yield: ~0.18 kg/m
- Notes: Moderate yield; some pods dried early; performed comparably to other bush beans
- Source:
General observation
- Cool, damp summers delay maturity
- Later planting does not fully compensate for poor seasonal conditions
🍲 In the kitchen
A small red bean with a delicate texture and flavour, finer than typical kidney beans.
- Excellent for chili
- Ideal for Costa Rican-style rice and beans
- Well suited to red bean curry (rajma)
🍽️ Recipes featuring Shuswap Red
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