Climbing French Bean 'Blue Lake'

'Blue Lake' has been a favourite climbing French bean in the UK for decades, valued for its reliability and huge crops of high-quality pods. This variety produces straight, dark green, stringless pods that are round in cross-section and have a crisp, tender texture. Unlike dwarf beans, ‘Blue Lake’ is a vigorous climber that can reach 2 metres in height, making it an excellent choice for making the most of vertical space in smaller gardens. It requires a sunny, sheltered spot and a sturdy support such as a trellis or netting. In the British climate, it is sensitive to frost, so it should be sown indoors in May and planted out in June. Regular picking is essential to keep the plants flowering and producing pods throughout the summer. It is notably resistant to common bean mosaic virus. The flavour is sweet and 'beany', making it a versatile ingredient for steaming, salads, or freezing for winter use.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.