Variety

• For top production, select fresh pinto bean seeds from a high producing variety. It is difficult to find the variety of dry shelf beans. The bag may contain a mixture of varieties, resulting in lower production.
  
  

Cracked Seeds

• Avoid cracked seeds. Pinto bean seeds crack easily when handled, and dry shelf beans may have cracks. Cracked seeds do not germinate well.
  
  

Color

• Select seeds with a bright, uniform color. Dull color indicates long storage. It is difficult to determine how long the dried shelf beans have been stored in the bag. The germination rate is lower for old seeds.
  
  

Treated Seeds

• Many commercially packaged pinto bean seeds are treated with a fungicide. The fungicide protects the young seedlings from disease. Planting dried shelf beans may increase the chance of plant disease unless the soil is thoroughly warm.