How to Grow Blue Lake Bush 274
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake Bush 274'
Blue Lake Bush 274 is a reliable warm-season bean variety prized for its bush habit and quick maturity. Gardeners grow this easy-to-handle legume to enjoy fresh green pods in the summer garden.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Blue Lake Bush 274: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Blue Lake Bush 274 is not usually started indoors.
Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date once soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently for germination.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Since this is a warm-season crop, wait until after your last spring frost when the soil has warmed up before sowing directly outdoors. Do not start indoors; sow seeds about one inch deep in rows spaced four to six inches apart. Expect germination within six to ten days under these warm conditions.
Space plants four to six inches apart and keep them in full sun for at least six hours daily. Water consistently, aiming for one inch per week, especially during flowering to encourage pod set. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling it against the stems.
Watch for bean beetles, aphids, and thrips, treating infestations with insecticidal soap if needed. Prevent bacterial blight, white mold, and rust by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest pods fifty to fifty-five days after sowing when they are tender but before the seeds inside fully harden.
When to Plant Blue Lake Bush 274
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | July – August | September – August |
| Zone 2 | — | June – August | September |
| 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 |
| Zone 11 | — | January – March | April – May |
| Zone 12 | — | January – March | April – May |
| Zone 13 | — | January – March | April – May |
Companion Plants for Blue Lake Bush 274
✓ Good companions
Beans fix nitrogen for carrots, carrots help loosen soil for bean roots
Strong deterrent against Mexican bean beetles and aphids
Provides natural support structure, beans fix nitrogen for corn
Repels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters bean beetles
Quick-growing companion that doesn't compete, helps break up soil
Repels bean beetles and carrot flies, attracts beneficial pollinators
Repels bean beetles and aphids, may improve bean flavor and growth
✗ Keep away from
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of beans and most garden plants
Can stunt bean growth through allelopathic effects and nutrient competition
May inhibit bean growth through root secretions and competition
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
