I planted three varieties of pole beans this year in late May : Fortex, Rattlesnake and (for the first time in 5 years) Blue Lake. All were close together in an area that gets about 5 hours direct sun (on cloudless days).

So far I have gotten 2-3 crops of beans from the first two varieties, but though the Blue Lake plants look as healthy, they have yet to bear a blossom, much less a bean. I don't remember this happening the last time I raised Blue Lake beans.

I checked 8 different suppliers and plant lists for maturity dates, and even though they very widely from one list to another, Blue Lake is almost universally said to be within 5 days of Fortex and Rattlesnake is said to be the same or up to 15 days later.

Has anyone noticed that Blue Lake could be much later maturing than advertised, or could it be that I got a bad batch of seed?
(The Fortex and Blue Lake were bought this year from the same supplier.)

Now that is odd. I have raised Blue Lake for years and they are excellent producers. Always big batches of beans set.

My neighbor used compost from a cotton gin on his garden several years ago. He let it rot for 2 years before he used it. It was still too hot for his beans. Big beautiful bushy pole beans, but didn't get the first bean. Any chance they got to much fertilizer? Claud

Well, the Blue Lakes finally came through, but 4-5 weeks after the Fortex. Actually it was convenient since they appeared as the Rattlesnake beans were petering out. Strange. I raised Blue Lakes before and they were never this late.

DonShirer said:Well, the Blue Lakes finally came through, but 4-5 weeks after the Fortex. Actually it was convenient since they appeared as the Rattlesnake beans were petering out. Strange. I raised Blue Lakes before and they were never this late.

At least you got a harvest!