Beans
50-55days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is at least 60°F. Plant 1 inch deep for best emergence.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, avoid wetting foliage
Soil
Well-drained, fertile loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-6 inches apart
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Medium green
Size
5-6 inches long
Shape
Straight, round pods
Flavour
Classic Blue Lake flavor, tender and sweet

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, steaming, canning, freezing, stir-fries

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Mexican bean beetles, spider mites
Diseases
Rust, anthracnose, bacterial blight
Resistance
Resistant to common bean mosaic virus

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——July – AugustSeptember – August
2——June – AugustSeptember
3——June – JulyAugust – October
4——June – JulyAugust – October
5——May – JuneAugust – September
6——May – JuneJuly – September
7——April – JuneJuly – August
8——April – MayJune – August
9——March – AprilMay – July
10——February – AprilMay – June
11——January – MarchApril – May
12——January – MarchApril – May
13——January – MarchApril – May

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

MarigoldRepels bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
BasilDeters aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving bean flavor
CarrotsLoosens soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
CornProvides natural support structure for climbing varieties and benefits from nitrogen fixation
SquashGround cover reduces weeds, retains moisture, and completes the Three Sisters planting
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while adding nitrogen to soil
LettuceProvides ground cover and shade for bean roots while utilizing different soil nutrients
RadishesBreaks up compacted soil and deters bean beetles without competing for space

Avoid

OnionsInhibits bean growth through allelopathic compounds and competes for nutrients
GarlicStunts bean growth and development through root secretions
SunflowersAllelopathic effects inhibit bean germination and early growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
1.97
Fat (g)
0.275
Carbohydrate (g)
7.41
Fibre (g)
3.01
Vitamin K (µg)
43.9
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.121
Calcium (mg)
40
Iron (mg)
0.652
Magnesium (mg)
28.2
Phosphorus (mg)
41.2
Potassium (mg)
290
Zinc (mg)
0.35

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the beans growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Bush Lake Bean?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other beans with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Bush Lake Bean suits these too.

Browse all 84 beans