Kentucky Blue Pole Bean
Kentucky Blue Pole Bean
This bean variety, known as Kentucky Blue, represents a blend of two distinct bean types, combining the excellent flavor of Kentucky Wonder with the enhanced sweetness of Blue Lake. Robust vines, reaching heights of up to 183 centimeters, yield plentiful 15 to 17 centimeters dark green pods filled with white seeds. Offering an extended harvesting period, these beans boast a delightful sweet and tender taste, maturing in approximately 60 days.
The recipient of an AAS Award, this variety blends the delightful taste of Kentucky Wonder with the robustness of Blue Lake, making it resilient even in cooler seasons. Its elongated, cylindrical pods boast a rich dark-green hue, growing straight and abundant throughout the extended harvesting period. Reaching heights of 250 centimeters, the plants produce optimal pods measuring 15-17 centimeters in length. Bred by Dr. Calvin Lamborn, Kentucky Blue pole bean seeds have stood the test of time and remain a beloved choice among West Coast Seeds enthusiasts.
Kentucky Blue originated from the innovative work of Calvin Lamborn, a seed specialist hailing from Idaho. Lamborn's endeavor involved the hybridization of Blue Lake and Kentucky Wonder pole beans. Initially aimed at meeting the demand for straight green beans in the Japanese market, Lamborn succeeded in creating a bean variety that not only retained a straight shape but also inherited the finest attributes from its parent plants. Recognized for its excellence, this bean cultivar was honored with an AAS award in 1991.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Plant after the last frost, as pole beans are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. Place the seeds 5 centimeters deep and 25 centimeters apart, ensuring they have vertical support like a trellis or teepee structure once they emerge. If using a teepee, group 5-6 plants per pole. Germination typically occurs within 14-20 days. For companion planting benefits, consider planting pole beans alongside corn, which provides natural support for both plants.
Growing: Maintain soil moisture for healthy plant growth and a productive crop, while being careful not to disturb blossoms during formation. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Expect the first beans approximately ten weeks after germination. Daily harvesting improves production; for optimal flavor and tenderness, pick beans when they are no thicker than a pencil. Consume or preserve harvested beans on the same day for the freshest taste.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
Towards the end of the growing season, allow the beans to fully dry on the vine until the pods turn light brown and the seeds rattle inside. Remove seeds from the pods. Once completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Planting Methods: Sow seeds 5 centimeters deep and 25 centimeters apart after the last frost, ensuring vertical support for growth.
Blooming Season: Typically blooms during the summer months.
Planting Season: Plant after the last frost in the spring.
Latin Name/USDA Zones: Phaseolus vulgaris / USDA Zones 3-11.
Sunlight Required/ Height: Requires full sun and can grow up to 250 centimeters tall.
Shelf Life After Test Date: Shelf life varies but can last up to 3-4 years under proper storage conditions.
Seed Type: Heirloom seeds.
Soil Type: Thrives in loam soil but can tolerate clay or sandy soil with proper care.