Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
A benchmark for quality and performance, Blue Lake FM1K is the improved pole version of the legendary Blue Lake line—renowned for its exceptional flavor, tenderness, and yield. Vigorous vines climb 6–8 feet, producing heavy clusters of long, round, stringless pods that reach 6–7 inches in length.
The pods are smooth, straight, and crisp, with a clean, sweet flavor that stays tender even when fully mature. Perfect for fresh eating, canning, or freezing, Blue Lake FM1K retains its color, texture, and taste better than almost any other variety.
Developed from the famous Blue Lake bush strain of Oregon, FM1K represents decades of refinement in flavor and uniformity. It continues to be the gold standard for pole beans—offering abundant harvests, excellent disease resistance, and the old-fashioned, garden-fresh taste that made Blue Lake beans a household name.
Location Selection: Choose a location with full sun for optimal growth. Beans thrive in warm, sunny areas.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter. Beans prefer loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sowing Seeds:
Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors in late spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Provide a trellis or support for the vines to climb.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil during this period.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Beans do not tolerate drought well.
Fertilizing: Beans generally do not require much fertilization as they fix their own nitrogen. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod production.
Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pests and Diseases: Beans can be affected by pests such as aphids, bean beetles, and diseases like powdery mildew. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with appropriate organic or chemical controls are recommended.
Special Considerations:
Harvesting: Harvest beans when the pods are young and tender for the best flavor. Regular picking encourages continued production.
How to Grow — Pole Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Once the vines begin to wind skyward, pole beans enter a different rhythm than their bush counterparts. They are marathon producers, not sprinters, thriving on steady support, consistent feeding, and gentle training. These climbing legumes will keep bearing as long as they are cared for with patience and balance.
Training & Trellising
Pole beans need sturdy vertical structure—trellis, fence, pole, or teepee—to rise and breathe. Begin guiding vines early, wrapping them clockwise around supports while still pliable. Left untended, vines may tangle or sprawl, reducing air circulation and harvest quality.
Maintain spacing of 6–8 inches between plants and 3 feet between rows, giving each vine light and airflow. If vines overtake each other midseason, prune lightly at the base to open the canopy. Remove lower leaves touching soil to improve airflow and deter fungus.
Inspect your structure as vines grow—it must bear the combined weight of foliage, pods, and wind sway. A trellis 7–8 feet high with strong crossbars or twine support provides ideal climbing conditions.
Soil & Fertility Management
Pole beans draw nutrients steadily through their long season. Begin with soil rich in organic matter but moderate in nitrogen—excessive feeding encourages leafy growth with little flowering. Instead, top-dress with compost, bone meal, or wood ash to supply phosphorus and potassium for blooms and pods.
As the plants reach midseason height, apply a light side-dress of compost tea or diluted fish emulsion to maintain vitality. Avoid disturbing the roots while doing so—apply around the drip line and water it in gently.
Watering & Mulching
Water deeply and consistently, roughly 1 to 1½ inches per week. Pole beans set pods over a long span, and erratic watering can cause flower drop or fibrous pods. Focus irrigation at the base of the plants, keeping foliage dry to limit disease.
Once vines reach 18 inches, apply 2–3 inches of mulch—straw, shredded leaves, or aged compost—to retain moisture and stabilize temperature. In midsummer heat, mulch also protects root nodules from drying, ensuring steady nitrogen fixation.
Feeding & Midseason Renewal
Unlike bush beans, pole beans respond well to periodic feeding, as they continue blooming for months. Around first flowering, apply compost tea or kelp extract to encourage blossoms and pod set. Repeat every 3–4 weeks through harvest, alternating with plain waterings to flush salts and maintain soil health.
If growth slows midseason, lightly prune tangled or yellowing vines and top-dress with compost. This encourages new lateral shoots that often produce a late-season flush of pods.
Pest & Disease Care
Check foliage weekly for aphids, spider mites, and bean beetles. Early morning handpicking and neem applications can keep populations in check. Maintain airflow through pruning, and rotate bean plantings annually to prevent disease carryover.
For rust or mildew, remove affected leaves promptly. A foliar spray of diluted milk (1:10 ratio) or potassium bicarbonate can suppress fungal spread. Always water early in the day to let vines dry before nightfall.
Harvest & Vigor Maintenance
Pole beans reward consistent harvest. Pick pods every 2–3 days once production begins; do not allow mature pods to remain on vines unless saving seed. Overmature pods divert energy from new flower formation.
Harvesting frequently encourages continuous bloom cycles—often through early autumn. When days shorten, vines may slow but will resume in mild weather with good moisture and feeding.
Late-Season Renewal & Frost Preparation
In late summer, prune back the top 12–18 inches of vines after the main flush. This channels energy into developing lower pods and secondary growth. A compost side-dress followed by deep watering often triggers a final prolific wave of beans.
Before the first frost, cut vines at the soil line rather than pulling them up—this leaves nitrogen-fixing nodules in place, enriching the soil for the next crop.
General Growing Rhythm
Train vines early and prune only lightly for airflow.
Maintain steady moisture and organic feeding throughout the season.
Keep the trellis clear of weeds and lower leaves touching soil.
Harvest often to sustain productivity and plant vigor.
Compost old vines after frost; never till infected residue into soil.
Additional Tips — Pole Bean - Blue Lake FM1K (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Harvesting
Pick pods when 6–7 inches long, straight, and firm. Harvest every 2–3 days to encourage continuous production.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
Classic, rich, and tender. Excellent for canning, freezing, or fresh eating. Maintains texture after blanching.
Handling & Storage
Refrigerate unwashed pods 34–40°F up to 7 days. Blanch 2 minutes to freeze.
Growing & Maintenance
Support: Requires 6–8 ft trellis or poles.
Soil and feeding: Fertile, well-drained soil.
Watering: 1–1½ inches weekly; steady supply essential.
Inoculation: Standard bean inoculant.
Succession: One main planting sufficient.
Seed Saving
Allow pods to dry fully on vines. Store seed in cool, dry conditions.
Container Tips
Grow 2 plants per 15-gallon pot with vertical support.
Common Pairings in the Garden
Pairs with corn, cucumbers, and dill. Avoid onions.
Extended Season Care
Mulch and provide regular irrigation during pod fill.
Common Pests & Problems — Pole Bean – Blue Lake FM1K
Insect Pests
Mexican Bean Beetle:
Both adults and larvae skeletonize leaves, feeding between veins and leaving a lace-like pattern. Handpick regularly, apply floating row covers during early growth, and destroy plant debris after harvest to prevent overwintering.
Aphids:
Small sap-feeding insects that cluster on stems and leaf undersides, leaving sticky honeydew and curled foliage. Rinse off with water, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, and encourage beneficial predators such as lady beetles and lacewings.
Bean Leaf Beetles:
Chew small, circular holes in leaves and may scar pods. Use row covers early and rotate crops annually to reduce populations.
Spider Mites:
Cause stippling and yellowing on leaves during hot, dry periods. Maintain consistent soil moisture, rinse foliage occasionally, and ensure good airflow.
Cutworms:
Feed at the soil surface, cutting young seedlings. Protect stems with collars and remove weeds where larvae hide.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Anthracnose:
Dark, sunken lesions appear on pods and streaks on stems. Use clean seed, rotate crops for 3–4 years, and avoid handling wet plants.
Rust:
Reddish pustules form on leaves and stems, causing premature leaf drop. Water early in the morning at soil level and remove infected foliage.
Bacterial Blight (Common & Halo):
Angular brown leaf spots with yellow halos spread rapidly under humid conditions. Avoid overhead irrigation, sanitize tools, and remove infected plants.
Root Rot (Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, or Pythium):
Leads to damping off and stunted growth in poorly drained soil. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Bean Mosaic Virus:
Mottled and puckered leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. Control aphid vectors and remove infected plants promptly.
Physiological and Environmental Issues
Poor Pod Set:
Excessive heat or drought during flowering can cause blossom drop. Maintain steady soil moisture and mulch to moderate temperature.
Cold Soil Germination Failure:
Sow only after soil has warmed above 65°F to prevent seed rot.
Water Stress:
Inconsistent watering results in fibrous pods and poor seed fill. Water deeply and regularly throughout pod development.
Nutrient Deficiency:
Yellowing foliage may signal nitrogen deficiency or poor Rhizobium activity. Inoculate seeds before planting for improved nitrogen fixation.
Integrated Management Tips
Rotate crops every 3–4 years with non-legumes.
Train vines on sturdy supports for airflow and easier inspection.
Water early in the day at soil level to reduce humidity around foliage.
Mulch to retain moisture and reduce soil splash.
Remove crop residues promptly to prevent disease carryover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Pole – Blue Lake FM1K Bean
Q: What makes Blue Lake FM1K beans unique?
A: Blue Lake FM1K is a refined pole bean variety known for its exceptional flavor, long pods, and heavy yields. It maintains the traditional taste of the original Blue Lake strain while offering improved uniformity and disease resistance.
Q: Are Blue Lake FM1K beans heirloom or hybrid?
A: They are a modern open-pollinated selection, developed in the mid-20th century from the original Blue Lake beans first bred near Blue Lake, California, in the early 1900s.
Q: How long do Blue Lake FM1K beans take to mature?
A: They mature in 65–70 days from direct sowing.
Q: What is the growth habit of Blue Lake FM1K beans?
A: They are pole-type plants, vigorous climbers that can reach 6–8 feet tall, producing pods steadily throughout the growing season.
Q: What do Blue Lake FM1K beans taste like?
A: They have a classic, rich green bean flavor—sweet, crisp, and tender, with excellent texture for fresh eating or preservation.
Q: Are Blue Lake FM1K beans good for preserving?
A: Yes. They were originally bred for the canning industry and remain one of the best varieties for freezing or canning due to their flavor and texture retention.
Q: Are Blue Lake FM1K beans disease-resistant?
A: Yes. They were developed for improved resistance to common bean mosaic virus and other field diseases affecting older strains.
Q: How should Blue Lake FM1K beans be supported?
A: Provide sturdy poles, netting, or a trellis for the vines to climb. Regular harvesting helps maintain pod quality and continuous production.
Q: How should Blue Lake FM1K beans be harvested?
A: Harvest when pods are 6–7 inches long, smooth, and firm. Frequent picking encourages sustained flowering and high yields.
History & Culture — Pole – Blue Lake FM1K Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
The Blue Lake FM1K Pole Bean is a refinement of the renowned Blue Lake line of Phaseolus vulgaris, first developed in the early 1900s near Blue Lake, California. Originally bred for the canning industry, the Blue Lake varieties were celebrated for their smooth, stringless pods and superior flavor—qualities that set a new standard for green beans in both commercial and home gardens.
The “FM1K” designation identifies a specific breeding line developed for improved disease resistance and pod uniformity. This pole version preserves the original’s tender texture and exceptional taste while offering the extended harvest and vigor characteristic of climbing beans. Its high yields and concentrated flavor made it a favorite among market growers and small farms throughout the mid-20th century.
Like its bush counterpart, Blue Lake FM1K descends from the ancient common beans domesticated by Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Its journey from pre-Columbian fields to modern trellises reflects a long continuum of selection and refinement, balancing tradition with agricultural progress.
Saving seeds from Blue Lake FM1K Pole Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris):
1. Selecting Plants for Seed Saving:
Choose healthy plants with vigorous growth and abundant pods.
Avoid plants showing signs of disease or poor growth.
2. Harvesting Seeds:
Timing: Allow the pods to mature and dry on the plant.
Collection: Harvest the dry pods on a dry day.
3. Drying Seeds:
Place the pods in a well-ventilated, dry area. Allow them to dry completely for one to two weeks.
4. Cleaning Seeds:
Separation: Shell the dry pods to release the seeds.
Inspection: Ensure seeds are clean and free from mold or pests.
5. Storing Seeds:
Containers: Store seeds in labeled paper envelopes or airtight containers.
Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Viability: Use seeds within two to three years for best results.
6. Testing Seed Viability:
Test by placing seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in a warm place and check for germination.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving:
Isolation: Maintain distance between different bean varieties.
Pollinators: Encourage pollinators for better seed production.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the process.
Uses and Benefits:
Blue Lake FM1K Pole Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a popular variety known for its long, straight pods and excellent flavor. It is ideal for fresh eating, canning, and freezing.
Beans are a nutritious source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health. Blue Lake FM1K Pole Beans are versatile in culinary applications, perfect for steaming, sautéing, and adding to salads and casseroles.
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Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
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We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!
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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Bean Seeds - Pole - Blue Lake FM1K
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
A benchmark for quality and performance, Blue Lake FM1K is the improved pole version of the legendary Blue Lake line—renowned for its exceptional flavor, tenderness, and yield. Vigorous vines climb 6–8 feet, producing heavy clusters of long, round, stringless pods that reach 6–7 inches in length.
The pods are smooth, straight, and crisp, with a clean, sweet flavor that stays tender even when fully mature. Perfect for fresh eating, canning, or freezing, Blue Lake FM1K retains its color, texture, and taste better than almost any other variety.
Developed from the famous Blue Lake bush strain of Oregon, FM1K represents decades of refinement in flavor and uniformity. It continues to be the gold standard for pole beans—offering abundant harvests, excellent disease resistance, and the old-fashioned, garden-fresh taste that made Blue Lake beans a household name.
