Phaseolus vulgaris

Available for purchase from 1 July 2025  

Blauhilde is a striking German heirloom climbing bean known for its deep-purple pods and vigorous growth. This traditional variety produces slender, flat pods that can reach 25 cm long, borne on vines that climb up to 3 m when given support. Its rose-purple flowers make it as attractive as it is productive, and the pods remain stringless and tender throughout their harvest window.

The beans are crisp with a delicate, slightly sweet flavour and a gentle hint of smokiness when cooked. Though their deep-purple colour turns green with heat, they retain excellent texture and are ideal for steaming, stir-fries or blanching and freezing. The pods are best picked young at around 12 cm for the most tender eating. The more they are picked, the more they will produce throughout the growing season.

Sow seeds directly after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 18 °C. Plant them 2 cm deep and 10 cm apart in rows spaced at least 50 cm wide. Germination typically occurs in 7 to 10 days. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and provide a strong trellis or support system, as this variety climbs rapidly and benefits from early training.

Blauhilde is disease-resistant and particularly noted for its tolerance to bean mosaic virus, though good airflow and consistent moisture management help reduce susceptibility to common fungal issues. To support plant health and optimise nitrogen fixation, inoculate seeds before sowing with SoyGro BeanFlo. This encourages robust early root development, increased productivity and soil enrichment throughout the season.

Standard packet contains approx. 25 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 10 seeds