Blue Lake FM-1K is a vigorous pole bean that delivers an exceptional harvest over a long season, producing tender, stringless pods ready to pick in just 66 days. These 6- to 8-foot vines climb steadily and keep producing well after reaching the top of your trellis, making them a favorite among gardeners who want continuous harvests rather than a single flush. The 5- to 7-inch pods are perfect fresh, canned, or frozen, with white seeds tucked inside. Plant in full sun with moderate water and well-draining soil once the soil reaches 65°F, and you'll have beans flowing from mid-summer through fall.
Full Sun
Moderate
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72in H x ?in W
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High
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The real distinction here is the sustained production; these vines don't stop once they hit the top of your support structure. They're stringless, disease-resistant, and bred specifically for reliable performance in gardens where you want beans throughout the season rather than a concentrated harvest. The combination of vigor, prolific fruiting, and pest resistance has made Blue Lake FM-1K a standard-bearer in the pole bean category for decades.
These beans are enjoyed fresh from the vine, where their tender texture and absence of strings make them a joy to eat raw or lightly steamed. They're equally excellent for canning, holding their shape and texture beautifully through the preserving process. Many home gardeners grow them specifically for freezing, as the stringless pods retain their quality well when frozen at peak ripeness.
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Starting seeds indoors is not recommended for this variety; beans germinate quickly and reliably when direct sown.
Sow outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature has reached at least 65°F; ideally wait until the soil reaches 70 to 85°F for fastest germination. You can make successive sowings every 7 to 14 days, continuing until 80 days before your average first fall frost date to ensure a full harvest before cold arrives.
Pick pods when they reach 5 to 7 inches long and feel tender and snappy to the touch; harvesting at this stage encourages more flowering and prolongs production. Regular picking is essential; allowing pods to mature fully on the vine signals the plant to stop setting new flowers. Check vines every 2 to 3 days during peak season, as pods mature quickly in warm weather.
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