The 'Blue Lake' climbing bean is a vigorous pole variety renowned for its prolific yield and exceptional flavor. It produces green, rounded, stringless pods approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length that remain tender even as they mature. This variety is ideal for fresh consumption, canning, or freezing.
Quick Sowing Guide:
Method: Direct sowing is recommended.
Sowing Depth: Plant seeds 20 mm (0.8 inches) deep.
Season: Sow in spring after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed, continuing into early summer.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days at soil temperatures between 18-26°C (65-80°F).
Hardiness/Life Cycle: Frost-tender annual; sensitive to cold temperatures.
Row Spacing: Space rows approximately 100 cm (3 feet) apart to allow adequate room for growth and air circulation.
Plant Spacing: Within rows, space plants 15 cm (6 inches) apart.
Position: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8-6.0.
Days Until Maturity: Approximately 65-75 days from sowing to harvest.
Additional Notes:
Support: As a climbing variety, 'Blue Lake' beans require support structures such as trellises, A-frames, or fences to facilitate vertical growth.
Watering: Maintain evenly moist soil, increasing watering during flowering and pod development stages. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Harvesting: Regular harvesting encourages continuous production. Pick beans when they are firm, deeply colored, and snap easily when bent.
Pest and Disease Management: Implement companion planting strategies with herbs like cilantro, dill, or rosemary to deter common pests. Monitor plants for signs of disease and address issues promptly to maintain plant health.
