How to Grow Pole Bean 'Blue Lake'
Pole Bean 'Blue Lake'
Phaseolus vulgaris
vegetableBlue Lake is a classic American heirloom pole bean variety known for its long, slender, tender green pods and excellent flavor. It's a vigorous climbing variety that requires support and produces abundantly throughout the growing season. These beans are perfect for fresh eating, freezing, and canning.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers warm-season growing in cooler zones
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Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysCotyledons emerge within 7-10 days; first true leaves appear shortly after
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; ensure good drainage to prevent damping off
Vine Establishment
2-3 weeksPlants develop multiple stems and begin climbing support structure; true leaves are glossy and abundant
Guide tendrils toward trellis or support; water regularly and apply light mulch to retain moisture
Flowering
2-3 weeksWhite or light purple flowers appear in clusters along the vines; flowers develop into small green pods
Maintain consistent watering during flowering; apply balanced fertilizer mid-growth if needed
Pod Development
3-4 weeksTender green pods elongate to 5-6 inches; pods are slender, slightly curved, and bright green
Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production; water deeply and consistently
Harvest & Production
6-8 weeksMature pods are ready to pick when tender and snappable; plants continue producing for 6-8 weeks
Harvest every 2-3 days when pods are young and tender; avoid harvesting when vines are wet to prevent disease spread
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation is heavy
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Hand-pick adults and egg clusters daily; use spinosad or pyrethrin-based insecticides; encourage native predators
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Increase humidity with regular watering; spray foliage with strong water stream; apply miticide if severe
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicides at first sign of white coating
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Plant virus-resistant varieties; control aphids that transmit virus; remove infected plants immediately
Uses
Fresh Snap Beans
CulinaryBlue Lake beans are excellent eaten fresh, steamed, sautéed, or roasted. Their tender texture and mild flavor make them versatile for salads, side dishes, and stir-fries. [source]
Freezing & Canning
CulinaryThese beans freeze exceptionally well for year-round use and are one of the best varieties for home canning due to their consistent pod length and texture. [source]
Dried Bean Storage
CulinaryAllowing pods to mature and dry on the vine produces edible dried beans suitable for storage and cooking year-round. [source]
Garden Nitrogen Fixing
HouseholdLike all legumes, Blue Lake beans fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria in root nodules, naturally enriching soil for future crops. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity and improving overall garden health. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pick pods when 5-6 inches long and pods snap cleanly when bent (typically 55-65 days after planting). Harvest every 2-3 days in warm weather to encourage continued production. Harvest in early morning when pods are crisp and cool. For shell beans, wait until pods are dry and brittle; for snap beans, harvest while still tender and green.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blue Lake was introduced in 1906 and has remained one of the most popular and reliable pole bean varieties in America for over a century.
- 🌱 A single Blue Lake plant can produce 100+ pods throughout the season, making it exceptionally prolific compared to most vegetable varieties.
- 🌱 The variety name 'Blue Lake' refers not to the bean color but to Blue Lake, Wisconsin, where it was extensively grown commercially in the early 20th century.
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