Pole Bean
Blauhilde is a German heirloom pole bean that transforms a vegetable garden into something genuinely beautiful. The plant produces enormous deep purple pods that stay tender and stringless even at 10 inches long, ready to harvest in just 65 days. Rose-purple flowers bloom against the rich purple developing pods, creating a striking visual contrast that makes this vigorous climbing variety as ornamental as it is productive. These vigorous vines reach about 9 feet tall and thrive in hardiness zones 2 through 11, making them accessible to gardeners across most of North America. The pods are best enjoyed fresh from the vine, where their rich flavor shines brightest.
Full Sun
Moderate
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108in H x 36in W
Annual
High
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The combination of showy rose-purple flowers and deep purple stringless pods makes Blauhilde exceptional among pole beans. At 10 inches long, the pods remain tender and flavorful rather than becoming tough and fibrous as they size up. This German heirloom carries resistance to mosaic virus, a serious concern for bean growers, while maintaining the productivity and vigor that made it treasured across generations. The rich, distinctive flavor comes through best when pods are harvested fresh, making this variety worth growing even if you have limited garden space.
Blauhilde beans are a fresh eating vegetable, best appreciated when pods are picked young and cooked quickly to preserve their tender texture and rich flavor. The stringless characteristic means minimal preparation; simply trim the ends and cook whole. Fresh beans can be steamed, sautéed, or blanched, and their striking purple color makes them visually compelling on the plate even after cooking.
Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date, when soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant seeds 6 inches apart along a sturdy trellis or support structure.
Begin harvesting at around 65 days after sowing, when pods reach 10 inches long. The pods should snap cleanly from the vine and feel tender to the touch. Pick frequently to encourage continued flowering and production. These stringless beans are best harvested young while still tender rather than waiting for full maturity, as this is when the rich flavor comes through most vibrantly.
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“Blauhilde originated in Germany, where this heirloom bean was developed and preserved through generations of seed saving. The variety represents the kind of thoughtful selection that European gardeners practiced for centuries, choosing for beans that combined beauty with productivity and flavor. It survives today as a testament to heirloom seed preservation efforts, maintained and shared by seed companies like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds that specialize in rescuing old varieties from obscurity.”