Shiny black seeds in 6" pods. A great dual purpose variety, use for fresh snap beans or dry soup beans. The dark green pods of Black Valentine Bean should be picked before the black seeds inside fully develop if using as a green snap bean. The flavor of the green beans is excellent and who doesn't like the fact that they are stringless. Black Valentine Beans grow well in a variety of climates and is a good producer even in cooler temperatures. Black Valentine Bean can be left to fully dry and shelled for use as one of the prettiest black - purple beans you would ever want to see. The bean is very shiny, unlike most shiny beans, Black Valentine cooks up quick without much soaking. This is a very quick green snap bean - 50 days until harvest. Dry beans in about 70 days. Direct sow seeds in rich, well drained soil in full sun at least a week after the last expected frost, since beans are quite sensitive to cold. If you have never planted beans in your garden before, treat the seeds with a powder inoculant to allow the process of nitrogen fixation to begin. Plant them 1" deep and 3-6" apart, in rows about 2' apart; press down the earth above them for good soil contact. These seeds rot easily in wet soil, so do not over water them. Germination should take place 7-10 days after planting. For companion pl