Bean - San Bernardo Blue

Minimum Seed Count: 20

The San Bernardo Blue Bean is a striking heirloom variety that immediately stands out in the garden with its deep, dusky coloring. The pods are slender and elongated, averaging 5–6 inches long, and mature to a unique blue-violet hue that seems almost metallic in sunlight. When young, the pods may start out green with a purplish flush before deepening to their signature rich blue shade.

The plants themselves are extremely prolific, getting 10-20 ft tall with sturdy green stems and lush, medium-green foliage that creates a vibrant backdrop for the jewel-toned pods. The contrast of the bright pink flowers against the fresh green leaves makes them highly ornamental! Inside, the seeds are typically smooth and BLUE that sets them apart from all other beans!

When cooked, the pods often lose some of their vivid color, softening into green, but their eye-catching appearance in the garden makes them a favorite for growers who enjoy both beauty and productivity in their vegetable patch.

it was also one of the most satisfying beans to harvest. The pods develop a firm but flexible skin that gives a crisp little “snap” when you open them. Inside, the beans are neatly tucked in, often with a smooth sheen that makes them feel almost polished. That little pop when the seam gives way is surprisingly rewarding, almost like unzipping something perfectly designed to be opened by hand.

Because the pods mature evenly and have a nice weight to them, picking them from the bush is easy and enjoyable. They release cleanly from the plant with a gentle tug, and each handful shows off that deep blue color against the bright green leaves. Like a little treasure waiting to be revealed!

🌱 Planting Guide 

Type: Pole bean
Days to Maturity: ~100-110 days

When to Plant:

• Direct sow outdoors after the last frost date, when soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C).

• Beans do not transplant well, so sow directly into the garden.

Soil & Sun:

• Prefers loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

• Needs full sun (6–8 hours daily) for best yields.

• Optimal soil pH: 6.0–6.8.

Sowing:

• Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spaced 2–3 inches apart.

• Space rows 18–24 inches apart.

• Thin seedlings to about 4–6 inches apart once established.

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.

• Water at the base to avoid wetting leaves (helps prevent disease).

• Beans prefer consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod set.

Care Tips:

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers (they cause leafy growth instead of pods).

• Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

• Being a pole bean, make sure to give the plants a trellis/support system.

Harvesting:

• Harvest pods when they are still young and tender for green beans or wait until they are completely dry on the plant for the blue beans

• Pick frequently to encourage continuous production.

• Enjoy the unique blue-violet pods fresh, or use in cooking (note: color may fade to green when cooked).