Blue Lake is a very productive variety. The dark green pencil pods can be cooked whole when young; the bean seeds are white and can be dried for winter use Price for 50 seeds
SOW: start these off in pots or modules placed in an unheated greenhouse or even on a window during April or May. You can sow directly into the sol but wait until mid as they really do not like cold soil. You can sow as late as July for a later harvest.
GROW: plant out after hardening off when about 15cm tall after all frost danger has passed. Provide canes to support Blue Lake as it is a vigorous climber. French Beans are self-pollinating. They cope well with drier summers
EAT: pick young and cook whole or sliced or leave the pods at the end of the season for drying. They are super in winter casseroles. All of our French beans freeze well.