Pole Bean – Kentucky Blue

Description

Kentucky Blue Pole Bean

50 Seeds per pack

Day to Maturity: 51-73 Days

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Planting Instructions for Kentucky Blue Pole Bean Seeds

When to Plant
Sow Kentucky Blue pole bean seeds outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F, ideally 70–80°F for best germination. Beans are very frost-sensitive and should never be planted in cold or soggy soil. In most regions, this is 1–2 weeks after your average last frost date. A second sowing in mid-summer can extend the harvest into early fall.

Where to Plant
Choose a sunny site with fertile, well-drained soil. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is best. Enrich the bed with compost or aged manure before planting. Because pole beans grow vertically, plant them on the north side of your garden so they won’t shade shorter crops. Kentucky Blue also grows well in containers at least 12 inches wide and deep, provided you supply a trellis or teepee for climbing.

How to Plant
Install supports before planting to avoid damaging seedlings later. Sow seeds 1 to 1½ inches deep in well-warmed soil. Space seeds 3 inches apart along a trellis, or plant 4–6 seeds around each pole in a teepee. Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist until germination, which usually takes 8–10 days. Do not pre-soak seeds longer than 12 hours, as this can reduce germination.

Growing Notes
Kentucky Blue vines reach 6–8 feet tall and require sturdy support, such as cattle panels, fences, or pole teepees. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod set. Provide 1–2 inches of water per week, applied at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Since beans fix their own nitrogen, fertilizer is rarely needed; a midseason side-dressing of compost is sufficient. Harvest pods regularly to encourage continuous production.

Pests and Problems
Watch for Mexican bean beetles, Japanese beetles, rose chafers, and aphids. Handpick beetles early in the morning when they’re sluggish and drop them into soapy water. Light infestations can often be controlled this way. Aphids can be washed off with a firm spray of water or treated with insecticidal soap.

Tip: Rose chafers are especially active for a few weeks in early summer. They thrive in sandy soils and can appear in large numbers. Floating row covers help protect young bean plants until flowering begins. Beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps also reduce their populations.

Harvesting
Pick beans when pods are 6–8 inches long, straight, and tender, before the seeds inside swell. Hold the stem with one hand while snapping pods off with the other to avoid damaging vines. Harvest frequently to keep the plants flowering and producing until frost.

Storage
Fresh snap beans can be stored unwashed in the refrigerator for 7–10 days. For long-term storage, blanch and freeze, or pressure can following USDA guidelines. Kentucky Blue also freezes well when cut into pieces and packed in freezer bags after blanching.

Seed Saving
Kentucky Blue is an open-pollinated heirloom and will grow true from saved seed. Select vigorous, healthy plants and allow pods to remain on the vine until fully mature, dry, and tan. Harvest when seeds rattle inside the pods. Shell beans and spread them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 1–2 additional weeks. Seeds are ready when they are hard, cannot be dented with a fingernail, and feel thoroughly dry. Store in airtight containers, such as glass jars or seed saving envelopes, in a cool, dry, dark place. Properly dried and stored seed remains viable for 2–4 years.

FAQ: