Blue Lake Bush Beans are a popular and reliable variety of snap bean, or green bean, cherished by home gardeners. They consistently produce dark green, plump, stringless pods with a firm texture and classic, rich flavor. This variety is valued for fresh eating and is suitable for canning and freezing, retaining quality well after processing. Blue Lake Bush Beans offer a straightforward growing experience, making them an excellent choice for both new and experienced gardeners.
Defining the Bush Bean Growth Habit
The height of a Blue Lake Bush Bean plant is determined by its specific growth pattern, known as a determinate habit. This means the plant reaches a compact height, typically 15 to 20 inches, with a maximum of about 24 inches under ideal conditions. Once this stature is reached, the plant stops growing vertically and focuses its energy entirely on flowering and setting fruit.
This growth pattern results in a concentrated harvest, with most pods maturing around the same time, usually within a two-week period. The plant maintains a sturdy, self-supporting structure and generally does not require staking or trellising. Although vertical growth is limited, the plant spreads laterally, often reaching a width of 12 to 18 inches. Its compact size makes it highly suitable for row gardening, raised beds, or container planting.
Key Differences Between Bush and Pole Varieties
Confusion regarding the height of Blue Lake beans stems from the existence of two distinct cultivars: the ‘Bush Blue Lake’ and the ‘Pole Blue Lake’. The difference lies in their genetic growth habit, which is either determinate (bush) or indeterminate (pole). The Bush Blue Lake variety is determinate, completing its growth cycle quickly and producing its crop in a focused burst.
In contrast, the Pole Blue Lake variety exhibits an indeterminate growth habit, continuing to grow and produce flowers and beans throughout the season until the first frost. Pole beans can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet, requiring a trellis or other vertical support for their climbing vines. While bush beans offer a concentrated, single harvest and no need for support, pole beans provide a longer, staggered yield and use vertical space more efficiently.
Optimal Growing Conditions for Maximum Height
To ensure a Blue Lake Bush Bean plant reaches the upper end of its 18-to-24-inch height potential, specific environmental factors must be met. The plant requires full sun exposure, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to fuel vigorous growth. Soil conditions are also important, requiring well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5.
Consistent soil moisture is important, especially during the flowering stage and pod development, to prevent stress that can stunt growth. The plants need about one inch of water per week, and deep watering is preferred over light sprinkling. Proper spacing is another factor influencing height, as overcrowding inhibits air circulation and causes competition for nutrients.