Bush Blue Lake 274
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Bush Blue Lake 274'
The compact bush version of the legendary Blue Lake pole bean, delivering the same exceptional flavor and tender texture in a space-saving package. These dark green, stringless pods are incredibly productive and perfect for gardeners who want premium quality without the hassle of trellising. A reliable performer that consistently ranks among the top choices for fresh eating and freezing.
Harvest
50-55d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Bush Blue Lake 274 in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 bean →Zone Map
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Bush Blue Lake 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
Fresh Bush Blue Lake 274 pods store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 5-7 days in a perforated plastic bag to maintain humidity while allowing air circulation. Don't wash pods until ready to use, as excess moisture promotes decay.
For freezing, blanch whole pods in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly and pack into freezer bags – properly blanched beans maintain quality for 8-10 months. This variety also cans exceptionally well using pressure canning methods, maintaining its tender texture and sweet flavor. The compact pods are perfect for pickle making, either as dilly beans or pickled with spices. Dehydrating is less ideal for this variety as it loses much of its appealing texture.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical America
Advantages
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Seeds): Medium severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigold
Repels bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
Basil
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack beans
Corn
Provides natural support structure for beans while beans fix nitrogen for corn
Summer Squash
Large leaves provide ground cover, retain moisture, and suppress weeds around bean plants
Carrots
Deep taproot breaks up soil for bean roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting beans
Radish
Quick-growing companion that loosens soil and is harvested before beans need space
Catnip
Repels flea beetles and ants that can damage bean plants
Keep Apart
Onions
Stunts bean growth and reduces yield through root secretions
Garlic
Inhibits bean growth and nitrogen fixation through allelopathic compounds
Sunflower
Competes heavily for nutrients and water, may release growth-inhibiting chemicals
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 common bean mosaic virus and bacterial blight
Common Pests
Bean beetles, aphids, spider mites, cutworms
Diseases
Bacterial blight, anthracnose, rust, white mold