Saving runner bean seeds.

[Nature's Babe]

This year, I planted runner beans in haste, some bought locally,with peach colour flowers. I had decided to plant other varieties next year as they were not as tender and tasty as other varieties I'd grown before. However they have produced some seed and the seeds are absolutely huge
compared to normal bean seeds, wondering if the warm wet weather is the cause, wondering what other beans have produced? Do bigger seeds produce stronger plants? I usually select seed from the best plant best fruits, best taste. Interested to hear others opinions.

[Beryl]

I don't think it makes much difference. As long as you have dired them off throughly and stored well they will all produce good plants next year.

I grow 3 colours, white (White Lady) and the salmon pink one, can't remember the name as I collect the seed each year and the red Scarlet Emperor I think. Mix them all todgether and they look very good when in flower.
Beryl.

[Nature's Babe]

Ah, Beryl, an attractive idea, but do they not cross pollinate when saving seeds, or do they remain 3 distinct varieties?

[Beryl]

I always get the salmon pink, white and red flowers.
As for the beans, I usually find the white, start to crop first followed by the pink and then scarlet emperor gives me the latest crop which I have just finished picking. All are planted the same time.

Beryl.

[Beryl]

And I forgot to say I don't separate the beans when I save then they all go in the bag together and I sow at random.

Beryl.

[Nature's Babe]

Thank you for your reply Beryl, it seems a good idea to stagger the crop.