What Are Silver Queen Seeds: Expert Tell You

Silver Queen seeds are unique and offer health benefits. Learn how to grow and harvest them successfully with this step-by-step guide.

What Makes Silver queen Seeds Unique?

Silver queen seeds produce yellow and white wide striped runner beans. They have cream and brown colored seeds with amazing taste and texture. The seeds sprout early and the plants grow profusely. The pods are firm, meaty, and 8 to 12 inches long containing up to eight large seeds.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

silver queen, harvest, carrots and onions in brown wicker basket
Photo by Markus Spiske / Unsplash

Growing Silver Queen Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plant the seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep in a trenchafter the danger of frost has past. This usually occurs around the last week of May in most regions. Space the rows 30 to 36 inches apart and seeds 3 to 4 inches apart within each row.

Maintain moist, but well-drained soil around the seedlings. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.5 and 7.0. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil health and fertility before planting.

Once seedlings emerge and reach 3 to 4 inches tall, provide vertical support using trellises, stakes, or poles. This will help the vines climb upwards as they grow. Horizontal spacing between plants should be 2 to 3 feet to allow sufficient room for the vines to spread out.

Regularly monitor the soil moisture levels and irrigation accordingly. The vines are prone toVerticillium wilt caused by a lack of water, so ensuring adequate moisture levels throughout the growing season is important. Mulching around the base of the plants can help conserve soil moisture.

Fertilize the plants 3-4 weeks after planting and again 4-6 weeks later using a balanced, organic fertilizer specifically formulated for beans and peas.

silver queen, harvest, person holding green and red bird on orange carrot
Photo by Fernando Andrade / Unsplash

The Health Benefits of Silver Queen Seeds

Silver Queen seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, proteins, complex carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Just a half cup of cooked silver queen beans contains:

  • 8 grams of protein
  • 15 grams of dietary fiber
  • 350% of your daily selenium needs
  • Iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc
  • Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and folate

The high fiber content in silver queen beans helps to regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people with diabetes. The soluble fiber forms a gel that slows down carbohydrate digestion and absorption, smoothing out blood sugar spikes after meals.

The protein and complex carbs in silver queen beans provide sustained energy release, keeping you full for longer. This can aid weight loss and management efforts.

The plant compounds, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins in silver queen beans also help to:

  • Reduce cholesterol levels
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improve digestion
  • Strengthen immune system functioning
  • Support heart health

Overall, incorporating silver queen beans and other legumes into your diet on a regular basis can have significant health benefits due to their nutrient dense composition.

silver queen, harvest, brown grass field under blue sky during daytime
Photo by George Bakos / Unsplash

Silver Queen Seeds: Tips for Successful Harvesting

Harvest silver queen beans when the pods are round, full and firm. Typically, this happens 60 to 70 days after planting the seeds. The pods should be at least 6 to 8 inches long and lightly filled with seeds.

Check the beans regularly once they begin to form:

  • Pinch the pods gently. Firm pods are ready for harvest, while soft or limp pods need more time.
  • Look for bean colors changing from green to light tan or brown.
  • Note the swelling and rounding of the pods as they fill out with beans.

It’s best to harvest silver queen beans in the morning after the dew has dried. This helps minimize potential bacterial and fungal issues. Use pruners or scissors to cut the pods from the vine, leaving a short stem attached.

Place the harvested beans in buckets, baskets, or bags and transport them to a cool, dry place for further handling. Avoid leaving the beans sitting in the hot sun.

For continued production throughout the season, harvest the beans regularly:

  • Pick at least 2-3 times per week once the pods begin to form.
  • Frequent harvesting stimulates more pod and bean development.
  • Remove any misshapen, diseased or insect-damaged pods.

Once indoors, remove the beans from the pods as soon as possible. Shelling and cleaning promptly helps maintain freshness and quality. Store the beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Most silver queen bean varieties will produce beans for around 8 weeks throughout summer before the plants begin to decline. To maximize your yield, continue monitoring the vines and harvesting the pods regularly through the growing season.

silver queen, corn seed, a patch of dirt with small plants growing in it
Photo by Riccardo Atrot / Unsplash

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