Blue Lake Bush Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Blue Lake 274’

Characteristics

Culture

Blue Lake Bush Beans are an heirloom, open-pollinated bush bean variety that has been a favorite of backyard gardeners for decades. The plants have an average height of 16-18,” making it a great variety for any size garden! Blue Lake Bush Beans produce 5-6″ pods that are round and plump. The pods are tender but have a firm outer texture that makes them easy to snap. This is a popular variety for making fresh boiled green beans, but they are also great for canning and freezing to preserve the harvest.

Beans should be planted in spring after the last frost has occurred. Beans will germinate best once soil temps have reached 65 F or higher. For continual production, succession plant every couple of weeks throughout the spring and early summer. Plants will drop blooms or cease production in the heat of summer. Subsequent succession plantings may be made in late summer/fall, as long as enough time is permitted before the first frost date. Direct seeding is recommended. 

Noteworthy Characteristics

A long time popular green bean with an old-fashioned green bean flavor. Also known as “Blue Lake 274,” this is a proven variety that consistently produces heavy yields of fresh green beans. 

Problems

The roots of green beans grow near the soil surface. When hoeing and pulling weeds, do not dig too deep, or the plant’s roots will be damaged. Click here for more information about disease issues and pests.

Uses

Blue Lake Bush Beans are excellent for eating fresh and canning.