Blue Lake Bush 274
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake Bush 274'
The gold standard for green beans, developed from the famous Blue Lake pole variety but bred for compact bush growth. These tender, stringless pods have the classic fresh bean flavor and crisp texture that made Blue Lake beans the choice of commercial processors and home gardeners alike. Perfect for beginners who want restaurant-quality green beans without the hassle of trellising.
Harvest
50-55d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Blue Lake Bush 274 in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 bean →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Blue Lake Bush 274 · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | June – July | August – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | June – July | August – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | May – June | August – September |
| Zone 6 | — | — | May – June | July – September |
| Zone 7 | — | — | April – June | July – August |
| Zone 8 | — | — | April – May | June – August |
| Zone 9 | — | — | March – April | May – July |
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | May – June |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter. Drainage: Good Drainage. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Rattlesnake'Pole Snap Bean, 'Rattlesnake'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The boat-shaped seed pods are bilaterally symmetrical and can be green, yellow, white, or purple at maturity. There is a wide variety of color and shape choices among cultivars.
Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Purple/Lavender, White. Type: Legume. Length: > 3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Edible, Good Dried
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Storage & Preservation
Store fresh Blue Lake Bush 274 beans unwashed in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator crisper drawer, where they'll maintain quality for 5-7 days. For longer storage, blanch whole pods in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water before freezing in sealed containers—properly blanched beans retain color and texture for up to 8 months.
For canning, cut beans into 1-2 inch pieces and pressure can following USDA guidelines (beans require pressure canning, not water bath). These beans also pickle beautifully—try dilly beans with garlic and dill for a tangy preserve. Avoid dehydrating as the texture becomes unpalatable, though fully mature pods can be left on plants to dry for shelling beans.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical America
Advantages
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Seeds): Medium severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigold
Repels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters bean beetles
Summer Savory
Repels bean beetles and aphids, may improve bean flavor and growth
Catnip
Strong deterrent against Mexican bean beetles and aphids
Carrots
Beans fix nitrogen for carrots, carrots help loosen soil for bean roots
Corn
Provides natural support structure, beans fix nitrogen for corn
Radishes
Quick-growing companion that doesn't compete, helps break up soil
Rosemary
Repels bean beetles and carrot flies, attracts beneficial pollinators
Keep Apart
Onions
May inhibit bean growth through root secretions and competition
Fennel
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of beans and most garden plants
Garlic
Can stunt bean growth through allelopathic effects and nutrient competition
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346400)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to bean mosaic virus and bacterial diseases
Common Pests
Bean beetles, aphids, thrips
Diseases
Bacterial blight, white mold, rust