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Annuals
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'
Blue Lake Green Bean
FabaceaeSouth America
At a Glance
Typeannual
Habitupright bushy
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width12-18 inches
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
3a - 10bZone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender
Key Features
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow
Overview
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake' is a vigorous bush-type green bean cultivar renowned for its exceptional productivity and superior eating quality. This compact annual vegetable forms sturdy, self-supporting plants that reach 18-24 inches in height with a dense, upright growth habit that eliminates the need for staking or trellising. The characteristic trifoliate leaves are bright green and heart-shaped, creating an attractive canopy above the productive stems.
The defining feature of Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake' is its abundant production of tender, stringless pods that are harvested at the snap stage. The straight, cylindrical pods typically measure 5-6 inches in length and display a medium green color with smooth skin and excellent crisp texture. Small white flowers appear in clusters along the stems throughout the growing season, continuously developing into the prized edible pods. This cultivar is particularly valued by gardeners and commercial growers alike for its consistent performance, disease resistance, and outstanding flavor that maintains quality whether consumed fresh, canned, or frozen.
Native Range
Phaseolus vulgaris originates from the mountainous regions of Central and South America, with archaeological evidence indicating cultivation in Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and surrounding areas for over 7,000 years. The species was domesticated independently in multiple locations throughout Mesoamerica and the Andes. The 'Blue Lake' cultivar itself was developed through selective breeding programs in the Pacific Northwest of the United States during the early to mid-20th century, specifically in Oregon's fertile valleys where it was refined for commercial production.Suggested Uses
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake' is ideally suited for vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers due to its compact, self-supporting growth habit. Perfect for succession planting every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season to ensure continuous harvest from mid-summer through fall. Excellent choice for small-space and urban gardens since it requires no trellising or support structures. Popular in children's gardens due to quick germination, fast growth, and easy harvesting. The versatile pods are outstanding for fresh eating, steaming, stir-frying, blanching and freezing, and home canning, making this cultivar valuable for both immediate consumption and food preservation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Colors
Flower Colors
white
Foliage Colors
green
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Summer
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
whiteFoliage Description
bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
moderate
Frost Tolerance
tender
Time to Maturity
55-65 days
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake' thrives in full sun locations with well-draining, fertile soil that has a pH between 6.0-7.0. Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season, providing approximately 1 inch of water per week, with particular attention during flowering and pod development stages. Avoid overhead watering when possible to reduce disease risk. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time, then side-dress with compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer once flowering begins, as beans naturally fix nitrogen through their root nodules. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed competition. Monitor regularly for common pests including bean beetles, aphids, and spider mites, using integrated pest management approaches when necessary.Pruning
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake' requires minimal pruning since it is grown as an annual crop primarily for pod harvest. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or diseased foliage throughout the growing season to maintain good air circulation and plant health. During periods of extreme heat stress, pinch off flowers temporarily to help plants conserve energy and recover. The most important maintenance practice is regular harvesting of young, tender pods every 2-3 days once production begins, as this continuous picking stimulates ongoing flower and pod development while preventing pods from becoming tough and stringy.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake' pods are completely safe and highly nutritious when properly cooked, providing excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, raw green beans contain lectins and other compounds that can cause digestive upset if consumed in large quantities, so pods should be cooked before eating. The mature seeds (dried beans) contain higher concentrations of lectins and must be thoroughly cooked to be safe for consumption. Keep raw beans and seeds away from dogs and cats, as they can cause gastrointestinal issues in pets, though cooked beans are generally safe for most animals in moderation.Planting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Indoor Start
2 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F
Days to Maturity
55–65 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions
tomatoes
carrots
radishes
lettuce
spinach
basil
marigolds
nasturtiums
Avoid Planting With
onions
garlic
fennel
sunflowers