Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'
fruit vegetable

Blue Lake Green Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

20 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Americas

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A popular heirloom variety of green bean, available in both bush and pole types, prized for its productivity, tender pods, and classic bean flavor. The pods are stringless, meaty, and remain tender for a long time on the vine. Excellent for canning, freezing, and fresh eating.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesWhile primarily grown for food, the lush green foliage adds a vibrant touch to vegetable gardens.
Practical UsesProvides nutritious beans rich in protein and fiber, supports crop rotation and soil health.
Ecological BenefitsNitrogen-fixing plant that enriches soil naturally and attracts beneficial insects.

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds 1-2 inches deep in well-draining soil in late spring.
  2. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering.
  3. Provide a trellis or support for climbing growth early on.
  4. Mist cuttings with water every few days to encourage rooting.
  5. Transplant seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall and risk of frost has passed.
  6. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Use a sturdy trellis to support vigorous growth and maximize yield.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist ๐Ÿ’ง
  • Prune to remove dead or diseased leaves ๐ŸŒฟ
  • Apply balanced fertilizer during flowering period
  • Support plants with stakes or trellises

Don't

  • Overwater to prevent root rot โŒ
  • Allow soil to dry out completely between watering
  • Use chemical pesticides excessively โŒ
  • Neglect staking which can cause breakage

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible bean edible cropVining ground cover in vegetable gardenVegetable patch with lush foliage

Companion Plants

Corn Cabbage Carrots Potatoes Marigolds

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blue Lake Green Bean questions

What zones can Blue Lake Green Bean grow in?

Blue Lake Green Bean is hardy in USDA Zones 4โ€“10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Blue Lake Green Bean deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Blue Lake Green Bean, especially tender spring growth โ€” plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Blue Lake Green Bean bloom?

Blue Lake Green Bean typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone โ€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Blue Lake Green Bean need full sun?

Blue Lake Green Bean does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Blue Lake Green Bean with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.