Climbing Bean Blue Lake is a classic and highly appreciated green bean variety, known for its high yield, excellent flavour, and tender, almost stringless pods. This variety is one of the most popular climbing beans for the vegetable garden. The medium-green pods are slender, juicy, and have a fine, characteristic bean flavour reminiscent of traditional green beans. Blue Lake is a climbing bean that requires support, such as poles, netting, or a trellis. The plants grow best in a sunny, warm, and sheltered location where they are protected from strong winds. The first pods can be harvested approximately 55 to 70 days after sowing. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new young pods. The pods reach a length of about 14 to 25 cm and are at their best when they are young, tender, and firm.
Blue Lake is an extremely versatile bean. Its tender texture and full flavour make it suitable for a wide variety of dishes. The young pods can simply be boiled with a little salt and served with butter or olive oil. Steaming is also an excellent preparation method, as it helps preserve the flavour and nutrients. The pods are also delicious in stir-fries with ingredients such as garlic, onion, chilli, or sesame. After briefly blanching, they can be used in salads. They are also excellent in casseroles, soups, and stews. The beans are very suitable for preserving as pickled beans or for freezing after brief blanching for later use. The flavour of Blue Lake combines well with many different ingredients. This bean pairs especially well with meat dishes containing bacon, chicken, beef, minced meat, or lamb. It also works very well with robust fish such as salmon. Herbs and seasonings that complement this bean include garlic, basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, tarragon, chilli powder, black pepper, nutmeg, and lemon. Blue Lake also combines beautifully with other vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, leeks, onions, sweetcorn, and courgettes. This makes the bean suitable for both simple everyday meals and more elaborate dishes. Climbing Bean Blue Lake is a highly productive and flavoursome bean with a long harvest period and excellent culinary qualities. Thanks to its easy cultivation, high yield, and versatility in the kitchen, this bean is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Non hardy annual. Height: 150 - 200 cm.
Soaking: 24 hours
Indoor sowing: from April
Outdoor sowing: from May
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 22 ºC
Sowing depth.: 3 - 4 cm
Plant distance: 50 - 75 cm
Plant position: sunny and sheltered
Days till harvest: 55 - 70
Harvest period: July - September
For faster and more even germination, it is recommended to soak the seeds before sowing. Soak the seeds for approximately 24 hours before sowing in lukewarm water. This allows the seeds to absorb sufficient moisture, helping germination to start more quickly. For an early harvest, Blue Lake climbing beans can be started indoors from April, approximately 6 weeks before the last expected night frost. Sow the seeds individually in small pots, so the young plants can easily be transplanted later. Plant the seeds 3 - 4 cm deep in light, nutrient-rich potting soil and maintain a constant temperature of 18 - 22 °C during the germination period. Germination usually takes 7 - 14 days. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid making it too wet. Once the young plants have developed sufficiently and the risk of night frost has passed, they can be hardened off and planted outdoors.
Direct sowing in the open ground is possible from mid-May, once the risk of night frost has disappeared and the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Beans do not like cold soil; warm soil promotes better growth and healthier plant development. Choose a sunny, sheltered location where the plants receive plenty of warmth and are protected from strong winds. Sow the beans 3 - 4 cm deep and maintain a planting distance of approximately 50 - 75 cm. As this is a climbing bean, the plants require support. Therefore, provide poles, a trellis, or other climbing material in good time, allowing the plants to develop properly. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods and during flowering and pod formation. Keep the soil evenly moist, but make sure excess water can drain away properly. Soil that is too wet can cause root problems. Remove weeds regularly around the plants so that the beans have enough nutrients and space to grow. With proper care and regular monitoring, the plants can provide a generous harvest.
The first harvest usually takes place approximately 55 - 70 days after sowing. Harvest the pods when they are around 25 cm long and still young, firm, and tender. Carefully cut or pick the pods from the plant to avoid damage. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new flowers and pods. This allows you to enjoy fresh, tasty climbing beans over a longer period.
