I love this purple Italian bean called Trionfo Violetto which I purchased from Botanical Interests. I have to be honest I started growing it because it was different and a pretty plant.  It is a snap bean like the Blue Lake green bean, but the color is very different. The Trionfo flower is violet, the stems and the outside of the pod is deep purple and the leaves are green with purple veins. As you get closer to fall, the leaves will turn purple as well (see the last picture below). It is a pretty plant that is a great option for your edible landscaping!
When you slice the beans you will notice that the inside of the pod is green. When you cook the beans, they turn from purple to green. Kids will love this one – plant science!
While the seed packet indicates that it will mature in 75 days, I think it is a bit faster. It is fall now and I am still getting these purple beauties just not as many.
Beans are definitely a warm season plant and should be sowed after the last chance of frost in the spring. This plant needs a tall trellis as the pole vine will grow up to 6 to 8 feet tall. The pods should be picked when they are pencil thin and about 6 inches long. Give them a try!
