Blue Lake Pole FM1K Bean Seeds – Heirloom Non-GMO Pole Snap Beans

Blue Lake Pole FM1K Bean Seeds

Grow delicious, productive green beans with Blue Lake Pole FM1K, a classic heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated climbing snap bean variety of Phaseolus vulgaris.

Known for its crisp, tender texture and excellent flavor, Blue Lake Pole FM1K produces dark green pods approximately 5-7 inches long. These versatile snap beans are excellent for fresh cooking, canning, freezing, steaming, and stir-fries.

The vigorous climbing vines make efficient use of vertical growing space and are suitable for vegetable gardens, raised beds, greenhouses, and large containers with sturdy support.

Product Highlights

• Heirloom, Non-GMO, open-pollinated pole bean
• Dark green, tender snap bean pods approximately 5-7 inches long
• Vigorous climbing vines reaching approximately 5-8 feet
• Approximately 65 days to maturity
• Suitable for fresh cooking, canning, and freezing
• Listed as resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus races 1 and 15

Plant Profile

• Common Name: Blue Lake Pole FM1K Bean
• Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
• Family: Fabaceae
• Variety: Blue Lake Pole FM1K
• Bean Type: Pole / Snap / Green Bean
• Seed Traits: Heirloom, Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated
• Life Cycle: Warm-Season Annual
• Growth Habit: Climbing / Vining
• Vine Height: Approximately 60-96 Inches
• Plant Width: Approximately 18 Inches
• Pod Color: Dark Green
• Pod Length: Approximately 5-7 Inches
• Flavor: Mild, Smooth, Slightly Sweet
• Days to Maturity: Approximately 65 Days
• Germination: Approximately 5-10 Days
• Sowing Depth: 1 Inch
• Plant Spacing: 4-6 Inches
• Row Spacing: 18-36 Inches
• Sunlight: Full Sun
• Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained Loam
• Preferred Soil pH: 6.0-6.8

Growing Blue Lake Pole Beans

Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost once the soil has warmed above approximately 60°F.

Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and initially space them 2-3 inches apart. Thin to approximately 4-6 inches between established plants.

For favorable germination, soil temperatures around 70-90°F are preferred. Under suitable conditions, seedlings commonly emerge in approximately 5-10 days.

Trellis & Vertical Growing

Blue Lake Pole FM1K is a climbing pole bean that requires sturdy support. Install a trellis, fence, or poles early, preferably at planting time.

The vines may reach approximately 5-8 feet, depending on the growing season and conditions.

Vertical growing helps conserve garden space and makes the green pods easier to find and harvest.

Sunlight, Soil & Water

Grow in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Use fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil with a preferred pH around 6.0-6.8.

Maintain consistent soil moisture during flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging and prolonged periods of drought stress.

Mulching can help regulate soil moisture and reduce weed competition.

Fertilizing

Beans are legumes with modest nitrogen fertilizer requirements. Excess nitrogen may produce abundant foliage while reducing pod production.

Use compost or balanced fertilizer according to soil needs and product directions.

Bean Common Mosaic Virus Resistance

Blue Lake Pole FM1K is listed as resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV), races 1 and 15.

Resistance is not immunity. Continue using appropriate sanitation, pest management, spacing, airflow, and other good gardening practices.

Harvesting Blue Lake FM1K Beans

Blue Lake Pole FM1K generally reaches maturity in approximately 65 days under suitable growing conditions.

Pick pods at approximately 5-7 inches long while they are crisp, tender, and before the seeds inside become noticeably enlarged.

Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering and pod production.

Kitchen Uses

• Fresh green beans
• Steamed vegetable dishes
• Stir-fries
• Casseroles
• Canning and preserving
• Freezing for later cooking
• Soups and vegetable sides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blue Lake FM1K a pole bean or bush bean?

Blue Lake FM1K is a pole bean. It produces climbing vines and needs a sturdy trellis, fence, or pole support.

How tall does Blue Lake Pole FM1K grow?

Vines commonly reach approximately 5-8 feet under suitable conditions.

How long does Blue Lake FM1K take to mature?

The variety guide lists approximately 65 days from direct sowing to the initial snap bean harvest.

Are Blue Lake FM1K beans good for freezing and canning?

Yes. Their tender texture and flavor make the young green pods suitable for fresh cooking, freezing, and canning using appropriate food-preservation methods.

Can Blue Lake Pole FM1K grow in containers?

Yes. Use a sufficiently large container with good drainage, consistent moisture, and sturdy climbing support.

Is Blue Lake FM1K resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus?

The variety is listed as resistant to BCMV races 1 and 15. Resistance does not guarantee that plants will remain free of disease.