Heirloom Collection

We are very happy to offer seed of several non-hybrid vegetable varieties from the collection of Dr. David Bradshaw (Retired) Horticulture Dept., Clemson University. Professor, researcher, speaker and avid gardener, Dr. Bradshaw collected heirloom varieties for many years.

Supplies for some varieties are very limited and we expect to sell out quickly. Check our web page for updates on availability. With the increased interest in heirloom varieties we are happy to assist Dr. Bradshaw's efforts to preserve these irreplaceable garden seeds. If you have an heirloom variety of your own and would like to share it, write to: SCCIA, C/O SC Foundation Seed Assoc.,1162 Cherry Road, Clemson, SC 29634.

NOTE: PKT (--) indicates packet and (number of seed).

African Field Peas

Source: Unknown. This variety of southern cowpea has been grown along the coastal barrier islands since long before the Civil War. They are thought to have come to us from Africa with some of the early slaves. Tiny seed make excellent wild game food and may naturalize areas where they are broadcast and left unharvested. Usually harvested as dried peas for human consumption because they are too tedious to shell fresh.

PKT (25) $2

Black Cornfield Beans

Source: Edward & Grace Kay, Easley , SC. These snapbeans are believed to have originated in Germany . The shiny black seeds are the most distinctive feature about this variety. An aggressive vining type, this bean does well when grown in a cornfield or trellised.

PKT (25) $2

Blue Tip Beans

Source: Lonnie Davis, Sparta , NC . This climbing string bean doesn't have a trace of blue on it, but resembles recently developed string bean varieties with its white seeds and round pods. These blue tip beans have been in Mrs. Davis' family for many generations. Pole habit

PKT (25) $2

Choppee Okra

Source: Anne Diedre Jacobs, Georgetown , SC. This okra has been maintained in the Jacobs family since the mid-1800's. As the name implies, it has been grown in the Choppee area of South Carolina near Georgetown . This area is named after Native Americans indigenous to this area. Because okra readily cross pollinates, it should not be grown in close association with other okra varieties.

PKT (50 ) $2

Colored Willowleaf Butterbean

Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville, TN (originally from Dr. James Wolf) Small-seeded willow leaf type butterbean with varying colors & mottling. Hardy & prolific. Pole habit.

PKT (25) $2

Davis Black Beans

Source: Lonnie Davis, Sparta,NC . The name "Black Bean" here may be confusing when you see the three different colors of individual seeds; black, brown or white in about equal proportions. I segregated these by color and grew them out only to find all three colors were produced from each plot. I use the fresh beans for consumption and the dried seeds for a colorful addition to my twelve bean soup mixture. Pole habit.

PKT (25) $2

Fatboy Beans (Sold Out)

Originally from the garden of Jim Knotts in Kentucky, this variety traveled and grew with Lee Sliman in Ohio and later in Oregon before coming to us. This is an excellent tender snap bean that is very prolific. White seeds can also be dried and stored for winter consumption.

PKT (25) $2

LIMITED SUPPLY

Greasy Cut Short Beans

Source: Dick Baird, Pickens, SC. Cut Short beans are said to have derived their name because the seeds grow so closely together in the pods that the seed ends are flattened or "cut short". This variety has a slick or "greasy" pod. An excellent heirloom for fresh consumption, but in earlier times it was a favorite for drying as "leather breeches beans". Often seen strung like peppers on a string hanging on the porch, the beans were soaked in water overnight to reconstitute before cooking slowly for hours with a ham hock for flavoring. Trellis this variety.

PKT (25) $2

Griggs Black Bean

This is another prolific producer with black seeds. A vigorous vining snap bean, this variety should be trellised or planted among your corn for a living trellis. Use dried black beans for soup and green snap beans for canning or fresh consumption.

PKT (25) $2

Griggs Butterbean SOLD OUT

From the garden of Gene Griggs, Lugoff, SC. This is a very tasty sieva pole butterbean type. A rampant grower and prolific producer, it should not be crowded in the row. Plant two feet apart and expect beans until frost.

PKT (25) $2

Janie Forrester Field Peas

Source: From the garden of Hazel Killibrew, Highlands, NC. These seeds came originally from Tom Cabe farm on Turtle Pond. A prolific southern field pea type with creamy white seeds with little light brown eye.

PKT (25) $2

LOW GERM

Jennings Pole Bean

Grown by the Jennings family in Campbell Co., Tennessee for many years. This is an unusual variety with brilliant burgundy seeds and light violet flowers. Can be eaten fresh as a snap bean or the seeds can be dried for winter storage.

PKT (25) $2

LIMITED SUPPLY

John Haulk Corn

Source: Oliver Ridley, Mountain Rest, SC. This hardy heirloom corn has been grown in the foothills of SC for over 100 years. Mr.Ridley donated the seed to the Botanical Garden in 1992 and had grown this corn for over 50 years. He obtained his seed from John Haulk who had grown it for over 50 years in the same area. A hardy corn which grows to 15 feet tall, it is suitable for table use, excellent for grinding for corn meal, and also makes an excellent animal feed. It is very resistant to both insects and to damage by molds, rot, etc. Dr. Bradshaw has grown this corn several years and especially enjoys grinding it for corn meal. Plants should be spaced two feet apart and hilled up to prevent lodging during high winds.

PKT (50) $2

Johnny’s Red Butterbeans

Seeds of this very prolific sieve pole bean have a dark red color mottled with small black speckles and spots. Adapted to both the Carolinas and Virginia where it originated, this butterbean seems to thrive with low fertilization. Later in the season runners should be pruned to stimulate greater pod production. With adequate moisture during the heat of the summer this bean should remain productive right up until frost.

PKT (25) $2

Juanita Smith Beans

Source: Oliver Ridley, Mountain Rest, SC Mr. Ridley grew this bean for almost 50 years after receiving it from Juanita Smith, who had grown it for 50-60 years before. He often planted them among his field corn to provide them a trellis. Plants produce an abundant crop of medium sized round beans with black & white appaloosa speckled seed. Tender round pods are useful in French style bean recipes and bean salads.

PKT (25) $2

Loudermilk Butterbeans

Another of my favorite butterbeans is also very colorful. I have seen a similar butterbean called ‘Snow on the Mountain'. It is half snow white with the remainder spotted in sharp contrast with black. This too is a prolific producer and remains in production until frost in the fall. New growth runners later in the season could be sheared to increase pod set. Pole habit.

PKT (25) $2

Luffa Sponge Gourd

Source: Edith & Bill Gambrel, Clayton, GA. Luffa sponge gourds have been grown for many generations to provide natural sponge-like scouring pads suitable for scrubbing floors, automobiles, and are even used as shower sponges and for facials. The immature 5-6" fruits are edible and may be cut up and fried much like okra. Sponges obtained from the mature dried fruits will last for many years. This is a very aggressive vine and should be provided with a sturdy trellis in full sun. The aggressive vine shows off rich green foliage with contrasting bright yellow flowers late into the season making this an attractive ornamental vine to screen off unsightly views.

PKT (15) $2

Lynch Collection Butterbeans

Source: Dr. Chris Inhulsen, Montezuma, GA. The most distinctive feature of the Lynch butterbean is the vast array of colored patterns on the seed. The typical growth habit and heavy production of this sieva pole bean type is characteristic. The surprise comes with shelling each pod as they reveal their myriad of colors. They are best eaten fresh cooked from the garden, but also can be blanched and frozen. Dried seed can also be soaked overnight and cooked as dried beans.

PKT (25) $2

Matilda Chastain Bean

From the garden of the late Furman and Helen Murphree of Six Mile, SC. Named for his grandmother who grew up them most of her life, dating back to mid 1800s. Very prolific half-runner should be trellised. Excellent for fresh cooking and canning.

PKT (25) $2

SOLD OUT

Old Timey Beans

Source: Jessie Lee Hicks, Central, SC. This heirloom offers the most diversely colorful array of seeds of any we grow. This hardy variety of climbing string beans must be provided a trellis for support. They produce an abundance of 4-5 inch round-podded snap beans which are appropriate for French style snap bean recipes when harvested young. Mature dried seeds can also be used in crafts or excellent for twelve bean soup.

PKT (25) $2

Paterge Head Bean

Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN (originally from Don King, Fentriss County , TN )This pole snap bean gets its name from the seed coat patterns resembling the markings on a partridge's head. Grown in Fentriss County since the early 1800's, this is a popular canning variety.

PKT (25) $2

Paw's Old Gray Peas

Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN. Grown in Washington Parish, LA since 1900. Originally brought from Missouri by Albert Lang who grew large quantities of seeds and provided neighbors their annual growing stock.

PKT (25) $2

Piggott Pea

Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN. This variety of southern field peas dates back to the 1850's in Washington Parish, LA. For many years it was guarded by the Piggott family who would not allow anyone to have seeds of what they considered the very best tasting field pea. I tend to agree with their assessment.

PKT (25) $2

Rattlesnake Beans

Source: Jessie Lee Hicks, Central, SC. This bean probably derived its name from the dark brown and light brown to cream mottling on the seed reminiscent of a rattlesnake's color. It also has striking purple striped markings on the growing pods, which will disappear when the bean is cooked. Good for both fresh consumption and for canning, this bean is esteemed by people who enjoy a "shelly bean". The pods remain tender even after seeds are developing within the pod. It is a vigorous grower and a prolific producer when provided a sturdy trellis and sufficient water.

PKT (25) $2

Red Calico Butterbeans

Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville, TN. Maintained by the Thweat family since 1794, this variety came by way of Seed Savers Exchange in 1992. A hardy and prolific variety with dark burgundy seed coat. Pole habit.

PKT (25) $2

Red Ripper Field Peas

Originally from the garden of Ed Lipscomb of Ware Place, SC , this variety was donated by Louise Powell of Greenwood . This is an excellent variety of southern field pea with long straight pods that turn a bright burgundy red when they are mature for picking. Easily shelled from the pod, they yield generously with good flavor. Dried seeds are a dark burgundy color and with a smooth skin. Perform best when provided ample trellis or when planted in a corn patch for support.

PKT (25) $2

Shantyboat Butterbeans

Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville, TN. This is a very prolific and colorful butterbean. With mottled white and red seed coats, this bean gets its name from the fact that it was grown near river banks by people living on shanty boats during the Great Depression.Pole habit.

PKT (25) $2

Striped Cornfield Beans

Source: Lonnie Davis, Sparta, NC . This variety is favored for growing among corn as a natural trellis. When using a natural trellis, plant the corn about two weeks ahead of the beans so it will have a head start. Frequent harvests will stimulate continued production. These striped beans are excellent for fresh eating, canning, freezing, and useful in crafts.

PKT (25) $2

Texas Longhorn Field Peas

From the garden of R.W. Bradshaw , Molton , Alabama . A very prolific southern field pea can be broadcast seeded or planted with corn or trellised. Long purple pods are easy to shell. Tasty.

PKT (25) $2

LIMITED SUPPLY - Call or Email First

Toni's Red Field Pea

Source: Dan Bailey, Oakway , SC. Mr. Bailey's great, great grandfather grew this red and white field pea variety before the Civil War. The color pattern of this variety is much the same as the Lazy Wife Bean – half creamy white and half rose red but seeds are significantly smaller.

PKT (25) $2

Turkey Crowder Pea

From the mountains of East Tennessee, the seed came from the Dyke family in Cocke County, Tennessee. Generally grown as a fall pea in the corn field. Good when consumed as a fresh green field pea or dried for winter storage. Much like the gray crowder pea.

PKT (25) $2

Turtle Peas

Source: J.E. Hernandez family, Lexington, KY. This black-seeded variety came from the Pinar del Rio Province in western Cuba to Kentucky with Mr. Hernandez over 75 years ago. It has been in his family for well over 100 years. The mature dried seeds are harvested and used primarily for the tasty Cuban dish "black beans and rice". Needs no trellis and is a prolific producer.

PKT (25) $2

Vegetable Peas

Joe Grandy of Batesburg, SC shared this family favorite with us. One of the varieties known by some growers as Lady Crème peas, this is a field pea with small creamy brown seeds that are full of flavor. Dr. David Bradshaw told us he prefers to let them dry on the vine for easy shelling and cooking them as a dry field pea during the winter months. A ham bone and some onion in a pot add the finishing touch!

PKT (25) $2

Velvet Beans

Note: NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. This is a legume that was widely gown up until about 1900 as a summer cover crop. Vigorous plants produce a mass of foliage that shades out Bermuda grass and nutsedge in just one summer. Hardy, vigorous, and virtually pest free, it helps break the nematode cycle and adds much nitrogen and organic matter to the garden. Plant seeds 3 ft. apart.

PKT (15) $2

Whippoorwill Pea

Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville, TN (originally from Lowery Langston in Jefferson County,TN ) The Langston family broadcast the seeds in the cornfield for a fall crop and for animal forage. Seeds are good eaten green or dried for winter storage.

PKT (25) $2

White & Green Hull Beans

Source: Lonnie Davis, Sparta , NC . This vigorous growing string bean has the unusual characteristic of producing both white to pale yellow pods and green pods adjacent on the same stem. Immature white pods are also tinted with pink along the midrib. Suitable for both fresh consumption and for canning, this should be a reliable standby. Pole habit.

PKT (25) $2

SOLD OUT

Whitfield Butter Pea (Sold Out)

First selected as a rogue off-type from other garden vegetable seeds in 1950 by the late Mr. Levis Whitfield of Anderson, SC, this variety was passed on to his son, Donnie Lane Whitfield. Donnie Whitfield grew them until his death in the 1990's. Since that time they were preserved in a home freezer until his niece, Deborah, shared them with us. We found them to be very prolific and quite tasty. A running vine type, this variety needs to be trellised. For best results, plant about two feet apart.

PKT (25) $2

Willow Butterbeans

Source: N.C. Winstead, Sedley , VA. This running butterbean variety has been in the family of Dr. Bradshaw for 150 years. Unlike most butterbeans, the leaves of this variety are very slender and willow shaped. This makes picking the beans easier and also discourages the Mexican bean beetle. Pods often produce four beans, and sometimes five beans per pod. Late summer side-dressing with nitrogen and irrigation will stimulate a vigorous fall crop. A stout trellis is recommended for this vigorous bean which produces right up to the first frost. Flavor is preserved best when prepared fresh or frozen.

PKT (25) $2

Yardlong Pea

Source: Seed Exchange. Another southern cowpea variety but with uniquely slender pods up to 2 feet long. Frequently the long tender pods are harvested in the immature stage and stir fried in oriental dishes. They may also be allowed to mature and the seeds harvested and cooked as "dry peas" with a piece of ham hock. Wait to plant until at least the first week in July for more vigorous growth and less chance for insect damage. Prefers the hottest summer days and produces prolifically in late summer-early fall. Pole habit.

PKT (25) $2