Kitchen Garden Forum

I've been watching the best quantity of flowers on my runner beans I ever had, only to find that the beans are not setting on the stems once the flowers die down. There are only maybe, one or two per stem, if that, that have 'set' the bean? does anyone know what causes this and is there anything i can do? Many Thanks.

Simple answer - not pollinated, for one reason or another.

Have a look at RHS advice

I think that its important to keep the roots moist at all times and avoid a 'drying out' followed by 'sudden watering' type of growing cycle. I use a soaker hose on my bean rows, down both sides and leave it on overnight when necessary as our water pressure is very low.
I also give a sprinkling of lime at planting out time, which I've read can help the flowers to set.
Even after all this though I still get a fair amount of flower drop especially with younger plants.

Our main bean crop is climbing french and these are much, much better at setting their flowers. They also freeze very well.

John

Unlike Runners French beans are self-pollinating, so don't have the same problems of drop.

Could be something to do with the lack of bees this year. There are plenty of bumbles about, but virtually no honey bees around here.
A mist spray with water over the flowers is supposed to help as well, so could be worth a try.

John wrote:I think that its important to keep the roots moist at all times and avoid a 'drying out' followed by 'sudden watering' type of growing cycle. I use a soaker hose on my bean rows, down both sides and leave it on overnight when necessary as our water pressure is very low.
I also give a sprinkling of lime at planting out time, which I've read can help the flowers to set.
Even after all this though I still get a fair amount of flower drop especially with younger plants.

Our main bean crop is climbing french and these are much, much better at setting their flowers. They also freeze very well.

John

Thanks John - I'll try the soaker hose with the 2nd crop of runners, and the lime - but I also planted 'Limka' french beans this year as well for the first time, and they have set beans brilliantly - maybe next year I'll make these the main crop. June

alan refail wrote:Unlike Runners French beans are self-pollinating, so don't have the same problems of drop.

Thanks Alan - I didn't know that french beans are self polinating - that would explain the huge difference between my French and Runners. thanks

Hello Polparrot
I've never noticed the climbing french 'Limka' before but it seems like a good variety. Its described as having flat pods that can be sliced like runners so I'll give it a try next year - seems like a good substitute for runners. For several years I've beeen growing 'Cobra'. This has round, very green pods that snap easily and it gives massive crops.

John