Runner beans not appearing

Meddyliol

My runner beans have been in flower for about three weeks or so. So far there is no sign of any actual beans. I have grown loads of runner beans but in the dim and distant past, cannot remember having any problems. The beans are Scarlett Empire which I have never heard of before. Are they late in producing beans?

Thanks

Brian

Dovefromabove

I see from earlier posts that you live in Cumbria ... not known for it's warm climate  ... I suspect that you just have to wait a while for the weather and insects to combine forces ...

We're in sunny mid Norfolk and we picked our first beans this week ... from an early sowing of a self-pollinating variety 'Moonlight'.   ... when I've grown other varieties I don't expect to be picking beans until much nearer the beginning of August, if then.  

  

Meddyliol

Thanks, you are correct, it's still winter where we are (Whitehaven). Will have to wait and see. Worth the wait though (if I actually get any LOL).

Dovefromabove

Worth trying the 'Moonlight' variety another year ... they're slightly more tolerant of slightly lower temperatures (they've got some French bean in their genetic makeup) and not dependent on the insects for pollination.  Flavour is just as good as runners and they crop well.  

pansyface

I live in the wet and windy (today) (and quite often) Peak District. I grew Scarlet Empire last year on a recommendation. I put them in a place where they got sun all afternoon but not in the morning.  Not a bean set. Not one.

This year, I had a few left over and some new seeds of White Emergo. I put them all in a place where they get sun all day (on the rare occasions that it shines). This year I have the beginnings of beans. About an inch long. On both varieties.

I don’t know if it’s the change of scene or the mixing of varieties that helped though.

Lyn

Still winter here too, the nights haven’t been in double figures yet,  my beans are about 2’ tall, if that,  hopefully we’ll get some summer. 

I grow Firestorm self fertilising. 

nick615

My vines are off the tops of the sticks - but no beans yet.  Plenty of flowers.

Meddyliol

Just noticed about three beans have appeared (about 1cm long) Yahoo!

Dovefromabove

Hurrah! 🍽 

Allotment Boy

The traditional advice was to spray the flowers with water in the evening to help "move" the pollen. If you have had plenty of rain this shouldn't be needed.  I always grow both French and Runner beans now. If it's a hot summer the FB do best if it's cool and damp the Runners do better.  I have been growing Moonlight,  ever since it was first introduced. 

Siobhancantgarden

I'm in the South - so plenty of sun. Zero runner beans. Terrible climbing Frenchies too. Probably 10 curly beans, at most....