Bean, Climbing Blue Lake

Sow bean seeds spring and summer, all year round in warm northern areas. Sow 25mm (1in) deep in dark damp soil-avoid watering for a day or two afterwards. Sow 10-15cm (4-6in) apart allowing 50-60cm between rows. Ensure the danger of frosts has passed and protect plants from wind. Plant in 1-3m (3-10ft) rows and remove weeds regularly. Keep the roots cool, a mulch of garden compost will help considerably. Water well in dry weather. 

This variety may be grown as a pole bean or a ground bean. If growing as a pole bean, support with canes, netting or bean frames. Grown as ground beans they don't require any support but their size should be contained by regularly pinching out growing tips when shoots are 20-30cm (9-12in) long.

Additional fertiliser is not required as legumes produce their own nitrogen. They make an excellent soil improver.

Pick beans every 4-5 days to ensure a continuous crop.

Plant these vegetable seeds in Spring and Summer. In warmer climate zones, planting in Autumn is also suggested.

These seeds may be treated with a fungicide (Thiram or Apron XL), do not eat the seeds or feed them to animals.

Fungicide treatment is an AQIS requirement for certain varieties of seeds. It does not affect your crops or harm insects such as bees.

If your packet has been treated it will be well marked with a warning and the seeds will be dyed a distinct colour.