Blue Lake Pole

Bean

Zone 5b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Blue Lake Pole

🌱 55d to harvest Indeterminate

Cool, crisp snap meets a clean, sweet garden flavor in Blue Lake Pole—tender pods that stay remarkably slender as they mature. Ex…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 4th
Harvest Begins	Jun 28th
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Homemade Pickles Cucumber

French Breakfast Radish

Green Dragon Cucumber

National Pickling Cucumber

Jezebel Cucumber

Yamato Sanjaku Cucumber

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Blue Lake pole beans develop white powdery spots or leaf yellowing?

Powdery mildew commonly shows as a white, dusty coating on Blue Lake pole bean leaves, while yellowing can worsen if plants stay too humid. Remove the most affected leaves, improve airflow by keeping plants off wet foliage, and water at the base in the morning. If it keeps spreading, apply a labeled potassium bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide early (when spots first appear) and repeat according to the product label.

How often should I water Blue Lake pole beans during the main growing phase to keep pods forming?

From the start of flowering through pod fill, keep the root zone evenly moist—about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it doesn’t rain. Aim for damp soil 2–3 inches down; if the surface dries and leaves look limp midday, water promptly, but don’t keep the soil soggy. Consistent moisture helps prevent blossom drop and tough, stringy pods.

How can I tell when Blue Lake pole beans are ready to harvest?

Harvest Blue Lake pole beans when pods are tender and about 4–6 inches long, usually around 55 days from sowing (often sooner if conditions are warm). Pick in the morning when pods snap easily and seeds are still small—if you can see the beans bulking through the pod, they’re getting past prime. Continue harvesting every 1–2 days to trigger new pod production.

Cool, crisp snap meets a clean, sweet garden flavor in Blue Lake Pole—tender pods that stay remarkably slender as they mature. Expect a vivid blue-green sheen with a fine, meaty texture that shines in fresh harvests and performs beautifully for roasting, stir-fries, and quick pickling. A classic pole bean for gardeners who want steady, upright production and a satisfying bite from the first picking through the season.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Direct sow after soil warms—pick frequently once pods start to set to keep yields high and pods crisp.