Can You Name This Plant?

by Seasonal Wisdom on May 4, 2009

Ask any gardener. Plants can look downright strange at times. That’s especially true when a little seedling is just bursting out of the ground.

Need proof? Take a look at this plant popping up. Why if I didn’t know better, I’d swear it was some weird prehistoric bird wanting a little food.

Fortunately, it’s not — it’s actually a . . . Wait a minute, can you guess this plant?

A couple of tips to get you started:

Give up?

This odd-looking seedling is actually a ‘Purple Podded Pole’ Bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. In fact, the purple stem is another clue to the delicious purple pole beans that will, hopefully, grow on this little plant soon.

Remember it’s best to plant warm-weather vegetables like beans, summer squash and tomatoes after the last frost date in your area. Here, that date is May 8. To find out your last frost date, contact your cooperative extension service or ask your local nursery.

And if your little plants happen to look a bit odd while they are growing, please try not to notice. I’m sure they feel sensitive enough about it.

{ 5 comments }

Dirt Princess May 4, 2009 at 7:50 pm

Ha I was thinking it was a bean…just not sure what kind. I got a great shot of a sprouting bean yesterday at the Pre-Garden Tour. I will post pictures tomorrow

Nat May 4, 2009 at 7:55 pm

I did actually know! I’m starting the exact same thing! Mine are just a couple days ahead of that one.

Seasonal Wisdom May 4, 2009 at 8:54 pm

Dirt Princess and Nat,

Ah shucks, I should have picked a more unusual plant. Should have figured one of you gardeners would know. 😉

Nat, enjoy your beans…

Kim and Victoria May 5, 2009 at 3:19 pm

Nice pic. It does look like a prehistoric bird.

Seasonal Wisdom May 5, 2009 at 5:26 pm

Thanks! I tell you I became a bit frightened when I saw it for the first time… 😉

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