Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'
vegetableBlue Lake is a classic American snap bean famous for straight, round, deep-green pods that stay tender and stringless with a sweet, old-fashioned flavor, equally good fresh, canned, or frozen. The original is a vigorous pole bean that climbs to six feet and bears over a long season, ripening its first pods in about 60 to 65 days and producing until frost.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~65 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
4-6 in. apart
Planting Depth
1-1.5 in.
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 11
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Little needed; the plant fixes its own nitrogen
Fertilizer
Low-nitrogen (5-10-10) if any
Direct sow after the danger of frost once the soil has warmed to at least 60F, since beans rot in cold ground; set up a trellis, netting, or poles for the climbing vines before or just after sowing. As legumes, beans fix their own nitrogen, so avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer, which grows lush foliage and few pods. Give full sun and even moisture, especially during flowering and pod set.
Direct sow
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jul 3
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Plant near corn or cucumber; interplant nasturtium and summer savory; hand-pick adults and crush yellow egg clusters on leaf undersides
Draw in ladybugs and lacewings with flowers; rinse off colonies
Stunted growth near alliums
Keep beans away from onions and garlic, whose compounds disrupt their nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Pick the pods young, when they are firm, pencil-thick, and snap cleanly, before the seeds inside swell and the pods turn tough and stringy. Harvest every two to three days, since frequent picking keeps the vines flowering and producing for weeks.
Snap beans are low in calories and a good source of vitamins C and K, with fiber, folate, and manganese, and they deliver a little plant protein along with their crisp texture.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.