Blue Lake beans can be either bush or pole varieties. The type of Blue Lake bean you choose to grow will depend on your personal preferences and the resources you have available. Let’s take a closer look at each type and what sets them apart.
1. Pole Blue Lake Beans:
– Appearance: Pole Blue Lake beans typically grow from vining plants that can reach up to 2 meters in height. They require some form of support, such as trellises, stakes, or fences, to climb and grow vertically.
– Flavor: Pole Blue Lake beans generally have a rich and robust flavor. The longer vines allow the beans to receive more sunlight, resulting in better flavor development.
– Yield: Pole varieties tend to produce a higher yield over a longer period compared to bush varieties. The continuous production of beans throughout the growing season can be advantageous for those who want a steady supply.
2. Bush Blue Lake Beans:
– Appearance: Bush Blue Lake beans, as the name suggests, grow in a more compact and bushy manner. They typically reach a height of around 45 centimeters and do not require any support.
– Flavor: Bush Blue Lake beans are known for their tender and crisp texture, with a slightly milder flavor compared to pole varieties. Some gardeners find them to be sweeter and more delicate in taste.
– Yield: Bush varieties tend to have a more concentrated harvest period, producing a large number of beans in a relatively short time frame. This can be beneficial for those who prefer to have a bountiful harvest all at once.
When deciding between pole and bush Blue Lake beans, consider factors such as available space, support structures, and desired yield. If you have limited space or prefer a more compact plant, bush varieties may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you have ample space and want a continuous supply of beans, pole varieties could be the way to go.
In my personal experience, I have grown both pole and bush Blue Lake beans in my garden. I found that the pole beans required more planning and setup to provide the necessary support, but the reward of a longer harvest period was well worth it. The bush beans, on the other hand, were easier to manage and provided a larger quantity of beans at once, which was great for preserving and sharing with friends and family.
To summarize, Blue Lake beans can be either bush or pole varieties. Each type has its own unique characteristics in terms of appearance, flavor, and yield. Consider your specific gardening needs and preferences when deciding which type to grow in your own garden.
