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Green Bean

Blue Lake

Fabaceae

Spacing9 per sq ft
Days to Harvest55d
Expected Yield1-2 lbs per sq ft

Green Bean

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Variety History

Blue Lake, developed in the 1960s, is named for the Blue Lake region of California but was widely adopted by Oregon processors. It set the standard for flavor, texture, and canning quality.

Regional Context

Bush beans are one of the most reliable crops in the PNW. They grow fast (55 days) and produce heavily. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks through mid-July for continuous harvest. Blue Lake is the classic PNW bean — developed in Oregon for processing but excellent fresh.

Growing Technique

Direct sow after last frost when soil is 60°F+ (mid-May). Sow 1" deep, 9 seeds per sq ft (bush types). Beans fix their own nitrogen — do not over-fertilize or you will get all leaves, no beans. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria for better nitrogen fixation (optional but helpful in new beds). Keep evenly moist during flowering and pod set. Pick regularly — at least every 2-3 days — to keep plants producing. Harvest when pods are pencil-thick and snap cleanly.

Watch For

  • Slugs love bean seedlings — bait with Sluggo at planting. Mexican bean beetles look like ladybugs but skeletonize leaves — hand-pick adults and crush yellow egg clusters. Rust (orange spots on leaves) in late summer from overhead watering — water at soil level and avoid handling wet plants. Harvest too late and beans become tough and stringy — check daily once production starts.

Recipes