Phaseolus vulgaris 'Red Swan' – Compact pink-red bush bean with a unique appearance

The Phaseolus vulgaris Red Swan is a unique and attractive bush bean that stands out for its striking pinkish-red pods and compact growth. This old American land variety combines ornamental value with delicious flavor and ease of cultivation. The plants grow to only about 50 cm tall, making Red Swan ideal for larger pots, balcony boxes, and smaller vegetable beds. The white-pink flowers also add a graceful touch, making this bean not only a culinary but also a visual asset to the garden.

Pink-red pods with excellent taste

Red Swan produces stringless pods about 10–12 cm long. Initially pinkish-red, the pods turn dark green when cooked, creating a surprising color gradient on the plate. The stringless structure creates a soft, tender texture that's perfect for immediate consumption, stir-fries, salads, or blanching and freezing.

Their compact growth and striking appearance also make these pods perfect for combining with other colorful bean varieties in the vegetable garden or pot.

Compact, easy to grow bush bean

The plant remains relatively low, reaching a height of around 50 cm, allowing it to grow steadily and not rely on stakes or climbing aids. This makes Red Swan ideal for gardeners with limited space or for growing in pots and containers. Its robust, compact growth ensures that the plants remain upright even in wind and rain, delivering a reliable harvest.

The white-pink flowers are not only decorative but also indicate that the plant is healthy and productive. This makes Red Swan an excellent choice for gardeners who value both aesthetics and yield.

Sowing and cultivation instructions

Red Swan can be sown either pre-sown or directly outdoors:

• Pre-sowing: indoors from early April

• Direct sowing: from May to July

Recommended sowing distances:

• Row cultivation: 40 x 8–10 cm, sowing depth 1–2 cm

• Clump sowing: 40 x 30 cm, 4–5 seeds per spot

As with most beans, fertilization is usually unnecessary, as the plant can fix and store nitrogen from the air. It is important, however, to avoid waterlogging and wet tillage. A light layer of earth later in the season encourages a strong root system and improves yield.

Harvest period and culinary uses

The Red Swan harvest period runs from July to early October, depending on sowing time and weather conditions. Regular picking encourages the plants to produce new pods, resulting in a long-lasting harvest.

Culinary applications:

• Boil or steam for a soft, full flavour

• Stir-fry in Asian or summer dishes

• Use in salads for color and flavor

• Blanch and freeze for later use

The combination of taste, tenderness and the striking colour gradient from pink to green makes Red Swan particularly suitable for both everyday use and special dishes.