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runner-beans-not-setting
tiptonnic
Posts: 26
in Fruit & veg
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?
0
Posts
You will find that there are lots of people who have posted the same problem. Bumblebees breaking into the back of the flowers, rather than going in by the front door, generally seems to be the problem.
Interesting thank you,
is there anything that can be done to avoid this? Are any varities more prone to this than others?
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.
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.
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
well certainly a top tip for next year, I did actually manage to pick 6 beans yesterday Not much from 12 plants but better than none at I guess
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
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!