bean (climbing French) 'Blue Lake'
climbing French bean or Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake'
The perfect dual-purpose vegetable as it produces an abundant harvest of pencil-thin, stringless green beans with a fine, sweet flavour from early summer. Later in the season, the last few pods can be left on the plant to dry as white haricot beans for storage.
An heirloom climbing cultivar from 1885, 'Blue Lake' makes making a decorative addition to any garden when grown up a trellis or wigwam.
An heirloom climbing cultivar from 1885, 'Blue Lake' makes making a decorative addition to any garden when grown up a trellis or wigwam.
How to care for bean (climbing French) Blue Lake:
Climbing French beans need a warm, sunny position and fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Sow seeds indoors from mid-spring or directly outside once the risk of frost has passed.
When planting out, space plants around 15-20cm (6-8in) apart and provide strong supports such as hazel wigwams, bamboo canes, or trellis for the vines to climb. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, and mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails, which can quickly damage tender growth. Feed regularly with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage flowering and pod production.
Harvest beans frequently while they are young and tender, as allowing pods to mature will reduce further yields. Removing any older pods will encourage continuous cropping throughout the summer.
When planting out, space plants around 15-20cm (6-8in) apart and provide strong supports such as hazel wigwams, bamboo canes, or trellis for the vines to climb. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, and mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails, which can quickly damage tender growth. Feed regularly with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage flowering and pod production.
Harvest beans frequently while they are young and tender, as allowing pods to mature will reduce further yields. Removing any older pods will encourage continuous cropping throughout the summer.
Sowing instructions:
Sow three seeds to a 15cm (6in) pot in mid-April and keep well watered and warm until germination. Keep seedlings in a frost-free greenhouse or on a windowsill, potting them on as they grow, and once all threat of frost has passed harden off gradually before planting out.
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Frost tender
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Humans/Pets: Raw pods/beans harmful if eaten
approx 125 seeds
£3.29
Seed Packets (only)£2.95
Named Day Delivery£10.95
