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 standard of excellence in American gardens, Blue Lake 274 defines what a true snap bean should be—tender, flavorful, and consistently productive. Compact bush plants reach 16–20 inches tall, producing heavy yields of straight, smooth pods about 6 inches long. Each pod is stringless, meaty, and slow to develop seeds, allowing for an extended harvest period of crisp, sweet beans.
Renowned for its uniformity and canning quality, this mid-century variety was developed from the original pole-type Blue Lake to suit commercial growers while preserving the old-fashioned taste gardeners love. The pods retain their vibrant green color and full-bodied flavor whether fresh, frozen, or canned.
Dependable, early, and adaptable, Blue Lake 274 remains a cornerstone of both home and market production—a bush bean perfected for yield, texture, and that unmistakable garden-fresh flavor.
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.
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 — Common Bush Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Once your bush beans have sprouted and established their first true leaves, their success depends upon consistent moisture, soil balance, and steady maintenance rather than heavy feeding or pruning. These are quick, productive plants that thrive on moderation and rhythm more than excess.
Soil Health & Root Care
Keep the soil light, open, and evenly moist, never compacted. Bush beans possess shallow, fibrous root systems that suffer from deep cultivation or crusted topsoil. Use mulch or light compost cover to suppress weeds and protect root zones. A half-inch layer of fine compost midseason replenishes nutrients and encourages microbial activity that supports nitrogen fixation at the roots.
Avoid excessive fertilization — bush beans form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria to create their own nitrogen supply. Overfeeding, especially with nitrogen-rich inputs, promotes dense foliage and delays flowering. Instead, focus on soil biology: earthworms, compost, and organic matter.
Watering & Moisture Regulation
Bush beans demand consistent, even watering through flowering and pod development. Supply roughly 1 to 1¼ inches per week, adjusting for rainfall. Deep watering every few days is far superior to frequent shallow sprinkling. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between sessions to encourage deeper rooting.
Water early in the morning so foliage dries quickly, reducing fungal pressure. If irrigation splashes soil onto leaves, mulch with straw, shredded bark, or aged compost to minimize disease spread. Avoid overhead watering once pods set, as this increases the risk of rust and bacterial blight.
Mulching & Temperature Moderation
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch once the plants are 6 inches tall. Mulch regulates moisture, prevents weeds, and keeps soil temperatures stable. In hot regions, straw mulch prevents overheating; in cooler areas, black plastic or fabric mulch retains warmth and speeds growth.
Weed, Pest & Disease Management
Because bush beans mature rapidly, even mild stress can reduce yields. Keep the beds weed-free, especially in the first 4 weeks when roots are shallow. Avoid cultivating too deeply near the stems.
Inspect plants weekly for bean beetles, aphids, and leaf spot. At first signs of damage, use neem oil or insecticidal soap and handpick adults. Encourage beneficial predators like lady beetles and lacewings. Rotate bean crops annually — at least every 3–4 years — to reduce disease buildup in the soil.
For fungal control, ensure air circulation by spacing rows 18–24 inches apart. Remove any yellowing leaves promptly, and water at the base of plants rather than overhead.
Feeding & Midseason Care
After the first flush of blooms, top-dress rows with compost or worm castings. This provides a balanced, slow nutrient release to sustain pod set without excessive leaf growth. Avoid foliar sprays rich in nitrogen; instead, choose potassium- and phosphorus-dominant organic feeds if pods appear sparse.
A compost tea or diluted seaweed extract applied around bloom time boosts resilience and encourages abundant flowering.
Mid- to Late-Season Renewal
Bush beans often produce in waves. After the initial heavy harvest, trim back spent or yellowing foliage slightly and apply a shallow compost top-dress. Water deeply afterward to stimulate new shoots. With this treatment, many varieties yield a secondary flush before frost.
Remove mature pods promptly. Overripe pods on the plant signal completion of the life cycle, causing flowering to slow or cease. By keeping the plants clean and harvested, you extend their vigor and productivity.
General Growing Rhythm
Maintain steady moisture and avoid wide fluctuations.
Keep mulch in place from midseason onward.
Feed lightly but regularly through compost, not fertilizer.
Rotate beans with non-leguminous crops each year.
Remove diseased debris at season’s end to prevent overwintering pathogens.
Additional Tips — Blue Lake 274 Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Harvesting
Pick pods when smooth, round, and snap cleanly at 5 to 6 inches long. Frequent harvest every 2–3 days encourages ongoing yields. For seed saving, let pods dry fully to tan on plants.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
Classic, tender, and richly flavored, Blue Lake 274 offers that traditional garden bean taste. Excellent for canning, freezing, and fresh eating. Stays firm after cooking and keeps a bright green color when blanched.
Handling & Storage
Refrigerate unwashed pods at 38°F for up to 7 days. Blanch and freeze for long-term storage.
Growing & Maintenance
Support: Bush habit, self-supporting.
Soil and feeding: Fertile, well-drained soil; moderate feeding with compost.
Watering: 1 inch per week, steady supply critical during flowering.
Inoculation: Inoculate with standard bean Rhizobium.
Succession: Sow every 10–12 days for 2 months to extend harvest.
Seed Saving
Select plants with uniform vigor. Dry pods fully before shelling. Store seed cool and dry up to 5 years.
Container Tips
Plant 3–4 beans in a 10-gallon container; rotate pot for even sunlight.
Common Pairings in the Garden
Pairs well with celery, corn, and summer savory. Avoid onions and leeks.
Extended Season Care
Mulch well and provide shade cloth during extreme heat to prevent blossom drop.
Common Pests & Problems — Blue Lake 274 Bean
Insect Pests
Mexican Bean Beetle:
Adults and larvae chew between leaf veins, creating skeletonized foliage. Handpick regularly, use floating row covers early in the season, and remove infested plant debris after harvest.
Aphids:
Colonies gather on tender new growth, causing curling leaves and honeydew buildup. Dislodge with a spray of water or treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Cutworms:
Larvae sever stems of young plants at the soil line. Use cardboard collars or place small gravel rings around seedlings for protection. Keep soil clear of weeds and debris.
Seedcorn Maggot:
Feeds on germinating seeds in cool, wet conditions. Avoid planting in cold, compacted soil or freshly manured beds.
Spider Mites:
Infestations occur during dry, hot weather, causing stippling and yellowing. Maintain consistent soil moisture and wash leaf undersides regularly to deter buildup.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Anthracnose:
Dark, sunken lesions appear on pods and stems. Use disease-free seed, rotate crops for at least three years, and avoid working with plants when wet.
Rust:
Small, reddish pustules on leaf undersides reduce plant vigor. Improve spacing and airflow, water at soil level, and remove infected foliage.
Bacterial Blight (Common & Halo):
Angular brown spots with yellow halos form on leaves. Avoid overhead irrigation, sanitize tools, and remove infected material promptly.
Root Rot (Pythium, Rhizoctonia):
Causes seedling collapse and root browning in poorly drained soils. Plant in warm, well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
Bean Mosaic Virus:
Leads to mottled, distorted leaves and stunted growth. Control aphid vectors and rogue out symptomatic plants.
Physiological and Environmental Issues
Pod Drop or Poor Set:
High heat or drought stress during flowering reduces fruiting. Maintain even moisture and provide partial shade in extreme temperatures.
Poor Germination:
Blue Lake 274 requires warm soil (above 65°F) to germinate. Avoid early spring planting in cold, damp beds.
Calcium Deficiency:
Causes blossom end rot in pods or poor seed fill. Maintain steady soil moisture and supplement with lime or crushed eggshells if needed.
Wind Damage:
Strong gusts can snap stems or break pods. Use windbreaks or companion crops to buffer exposure.
Integrated Management Tips
Rotate out of beans and other legumes every 3–4 years.
Water deeply at the base of plants early in the day.
Mulch to suppress weeds and prevent soil splash.
Keep plantings weed-free to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
Monitor weekly for pest activity or early disease signs and remove affected foliage quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Blue Lake 274 Bean
Q: What makes Blue Lake 274 beans unique?
A: Blue Lake 274 is a bush version of the famous Blue Lake pole bean, developed for uniformity, rich flavor, and excellent texture. It retains the classic “old-fashioned” bean taste of its pole ancestor while growing in a compact, easy-to-harvest form.
Q: Are Blue Lake 274 beans heirloom or hybrid?
A: They are an open-pollinated cultivar, released in 1961 by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station as an improvement on earlier Blue Lake strains.
Q: How long do Blue Lake 274 beans take to mature?
A: Expect maturity in 55–60 days from direct sowing.
Q: What is the growth habit of Blue Lake 274 beans?
A: They are bush-type beans, typically reaching 18–24 inches tall. Plants are self-supporting and do not require staking.
Q: How do Blue Lake 274 beans differ from pole beans?
A: They produce all their pods over a shorter harvest window, making them excellent for canning or freezing. Pole beans, by contrast, yield gradually over a longer season.
Q: What is the flavor of Blue Lake 274 beans?
A: They are known for a clean, classic green bean flavor—sweet, crisp, and meaty, with pods that remain tender even when large.
Q: Are Blue Lake 274 beans good for preserving?
A: Yes. This variety was originally bred for the canning industry and remains one of the best beans for freezing or canning due to its uniformity and texture retention.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Blue Lake 274 beans?
A: They thrive in full sun with moderately fertile, well-drained soil and steady moisture. Avoid overly rich nitrogen soils, which can reduce pod set.
Q: How should I harvest Blue Lake 274 beans?
A: Pick pods when they are 5–6 inches long and firm but tender. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production.
History & Culture — Blue Lake 274 Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Blue Lake 274 is a stabilized bush form of the famed Blue Lake pole bean, developed to offer the same rich flavor and crisp texture in a more compact and machine-harvestable plant. The original Blue Lake strain was first cultivated in the early 1900s near Blue Lake, California, where it became the preferred canning bean for its smooth pods, uniform shape, and exceptional taste.
As industrial agriculture expanded in the mid-20th century, breeders sought to adapt the Blue Lake’s quality to bush growth for easier large-scale production. Released in 1961 by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station, Blue Lake 274 achieved that goal. It maintained the tender, stringless pods and rich, “old-fashioned” bean flavor of its climbing ancestor while maturing earlier and growing more uniformly.
The success of Blue Lake 274 made it one of the most widely grown green beans in North America during the latter half of the 20th century. It bridged the gap between commercial efficiency and home-garden flavor, securing its place as a standard variety for both canners and fresh-market growers.
Saving seeds from Blue Lake 274 Bush 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 274 Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is prized for its straight, tender pods and excellent flavor, making it a favorite for fresh eating, canning, and freezing.
These beans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting a balanced diet. Blue Lake 274 Bush Beans are versatile in the kitchen and can be steamed, sautéed, or added 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 - Bush - Blue Lake 274
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
A standard of excellence in American gardens, Blue Lake 274 defines what a true snap bean should be—tender, flavorful, and consistently productive. Compact bush plants reach 16–20 inches tall, producing heavy yields of straight, smooth pods about 6 inches long. Each pod is stringless, meaty, and slow to develop seeds, allowing for an extended harvest period of crisp, sweet beans.
Renowned for its uniformity and canning quality, this mid-century variety was developed from the original pole-type Blue Lake to suit commercial growers while preserving the old-fashioned taste gardeners love. The pods retain their vibrant green color and full-bodied flavor whether fresh, frozen, or canned.
Dependable, early, and adaptable, Blue Lake 274 remains a cornerstone of both home and market production—a bush bean perfected for yield, texture, and that unmistakable garden-fresh flavor.
