Runners Beans

[mintymow]

What has happened to my runner beans? Lots of healthy growth and leaves, very few flowers and not many of those have set. Anyone else with the same experience.

[ZoeK]

mine are exactly the same; last year I had more runner beans than i could cope with, this year not many at all. I think it's down to the weather - too much heat and rain in too big doses, they like both but not in extreme spells, my peas are the same

[carlton23]

You haven`t given any info on the soil condition at the time of putting in the seed or plants. ie: Did you dig a two spade deep trench and add stacks of compost? Did you bother to spray the flowers in the evening with plain water? Did you use old seed from last year? I could go on.......All these make for reliable crops.

[mintymow]

Thank you carlton 23, I obviously have a lot to learn about runner beans.! I specifically didn't do the digging part. Have been composting for the first time this year so hopefully better luck next year.

[mintymow]

Sorry your beans I like mine ZoeK, perhaps the info from Carlton may help you too.

[bushcombe]

i am having the same problem would'nt mind some flowers to spray!!!. Ive got several rows some i dug in compost some i did'nt all of them have hardly any flowers. i have had a few french beans peas very good. forgot to mention all new seed

[carlton23]

If you have a Search Engine then insert `Growing Runner Beans` and scroll down to that item for a full answer and more advise. Thankyou for the 3*s. carlton.

[Dee Sa]

this happened to us about 4 years ago, loads of leaves but no scarlet flowers/ beans. the next year we began again with new pods and chucked out the old.

[mintymow]

Thanks Dee Sa, not sure whether to give it one more go next year. My husband fancies growing rhubarb instead a lot less hassle I believe :)

[Dee Sa]

nothing tastes nicer than a plate of freshly picked runner beans cooked in a steamer and with a knob of butter on top served as a starter on their own, but must be cooked straight after picking , go on have another go, how many rhubarb crumbles can u eat in a week not as many as beans.
Dee

[mintymow]

Certainly sounds tempting put like that!
Perhaps a change of location and the use of compost and new seed will help. Thanks Dee

[YvonneM]

We had the same problem with red flowers we have a colony of sparrows that decided they liked red flowers so now we grown white flowered varieties and are giving beans away like crazy Sunday last we fed 9 households

[mintymow]

That's brilliant Yvonne, I'll bear that in mind when choosing next year's seed. Thanks