Blauhilde French Beans#07

Blauhilde is a distinctive variety of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) known for its striking purple pods and high productivity. Here are the key details about this variety:

🌱 Blauhilde French Bean – Overview

• Type: Climbing / Pole bean
• Color: Deep purple pods
• Length: Pods can reach 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)
• Taste: Tender, stringless when young, and very flavorful
• Growth Habit: Vigorous climber, can reach up to 2.5–3 meters (8–10 feet)
• Maturity: 60–75 days after sowing

🌿 Growing Requirements

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; pH 6.0–7.0
• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Sowing Time: Late spring to early summer (after last frost)
• Spacing: 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) apart in rows or around supports
• Support Needed: Yes — ideal on trellises, poles, or netting

💧 Watering & Care

• Water regularly, especially during flowering and pod development
• Mulch helps retain moisture and reduce weed growth
• Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production

🍽️ Harvest & Culinary Use

• Harvest when pods are young and tender, before beans inside swell
• Cooking turns the purple pods green (they lose color)
• Ideal for:
  • Steaming, boiling, stir-fries
  • Freezing (blanch first)
  • Fresh eating when lightly cooked

🌸 Other Notes

• Pollination: Self-pollinating flowers
• Disease Resistance: Generally robust but watch for:
  • Bean rust
  • Anthracnose
  • Slugs/snails on young seedlings
• Companion Plants: Good with carrots, cabbage, cucumber; avoid alliums