Blue Lake Bush Beans are a popular variety of green bean that do not require a trellis. These plants have been specifically bred to maintain a compact and self-supporting structure, eliminating the need for vertical assistance. They are classified as a bush type of bean, meaning their growth habit is naturally contained and low to the ground. This characteristic makes them a favored choice for home gardeners working with limited space or those who prefer a less labor-intensive crop.
Understanding the Blue Lake Bush Growth Habit
The reason Blue Lake Bush Beans do not require a trellis lies in their classification as a determinate variety. This term describes plants that grow to a fixed size before shifting their energy entirely to flowering and fruiting. A typical plant reaches a mature height of approximately 15 to 24 inches. This compact, sturdy structure is self-supporting, lacking the long, searching vines of climbing varieties. Once the plant reaches its final height, growth ceases, producing a heavy, concentrated yield of pods. This determinate pattern ensures the plant maintains the necessary rigidity to hold its own weight without assistance.
Distinguishing Bush Beans from Pole Beans
The confusion about trellising stems from the difference between the two main types of common beans: bush and pole. Blue Lake Bush Beans are defined by their short, upright, determinate habit. Pole beans are an indeterminate variety, meaning they continue to grow and produce foliage and pods throughout the entire growing season. They develop long, flexible vines, often reaching heights of six to ten feet, and must be provided with a trellis, stake, or netting. The vining nature of pole beans is facilitated by specialized structures called twining tendrils, which actively seek out and wrap around vertical supports. Bush beans lack these tendrils, underscoring their inability to climb.
When Minimal Support Becomes Helpful
While a full, tall trellis is unnecessary for Blue Lake Bush Beans, minimal support can be beneficial in specific situations. These self-supporting plants can be overwhelmed by a heavy crop load. If the plants are densely covered in pods, the weight may cause the outer branches to flop or sprawl onto the ground. Pods lying on moist soil are more susceptible to fungal diseases and rot. In such cases, a simple perimeter fence or a low cage, around 12 to 18 inches high, can provide stability and containment. This support keeps the plants tidy and elevated for better air circulation, not to facilitate vertical climbing. Simple staking at the ends of a row with twine strung between them, often called a “Florida weave,” can also provide necessary lateral bracing.