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runner-beans-not-setting

Hi

although my runner beans were late getting going the plants themselves look healthy enough, lots of flowers, but virutaly no beans have set. In the previously 5 years I haven't seen this problem, any ideas?

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Posts

  • Interesting thank you,

    is there anything that can be done to avoid this? Are any varities more prone to this than others?

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618

    If you grow white flowered variety of runner beans, they are pollinated by moths. I have both red and white, so if one lot doesn't work, the others should.

  • All red I'm afraid

  • I'd certainly recommend you try growing some of the self-fertile varieties of runner bean next year, like 'Moonlight' and 'Firestorm'. I think these varieties may have been bred by crossing runner beans with French beans, as these are often more self-fertile and don't require bee pollination. Certainly worth a try. I haven't grown any this year, but if anyone else reading this has tried either 'Moonlight' or 'Firestorm' perhaps they could let us all know how they got on.

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618

    I've got moonlight and firestorm. (Offer from T&M) I prefer the white ones, the reds have a bit more string. Both  are producing masses and I am giving away carrier bags full to anyone who wants them.

  • little-annlittle-ann Posts: 878

    thats why i dont grow runners every year people try to give me bags full usually large and stringy, i grow dwarfe french  much nicer IMO image

  • well certainly a top tip for next year, I did actually manage to pick 6 beans yesterday image Not much from 12 plants but better than none at I guess

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,145

    I've been watching Tree and other bees getting the nectar from our runner bean flowers by going 'round the back' rather than through the 'front door'.  We're having a much poorer crop than even last year image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • My recommendation in this situation would be to grow the white flowered variety 'White Lady' she sets well in warm weather & is a super tasting good all rounder.

    I’ve picked 15lbs today!

     

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,145

    Deep envy image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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