19. FLOOD 
West Virginia heirloom named after the devastating 1888 flood. Seeds were gifted to Ken Fry, the owner of Forgotten Heirlooms, by his friends Junior and Cindy Loughrie whose great great grandparents grew on their homestead in Rowlesburg, WV.
Flood is a pole bean with large seeds. Flavorful foot-long green pods get plump as the seeds mature. Harvest the pods early when they are stringless. Long vines need a tall, strong trellis.
The Flood Pole Bean is an heirloom variety originally from Western Turkey, known for its wide pods and purple seeds. It is well-suited for stews and shelling. This pole-type bean grows vertically and requires support, often planted alongside corn. The name “Flood Bean” is linked to the 1888 flood in West Virginia, where it was commonly grown. Flood Pole Beans are a flavorful and space-efficient option for gardens, especially when interplanted with corn.