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Runner beans - masses of flowers, only ONE bean.

happycottontailhappycottontail Posts: 394
in Problem solving

I have 3 White Lady runner bean plants in a big pot on my patio.  It is my first attempt at growing them.  They look really healthy and have smothered the 6' wigwam with masses of leaves and flowers.  9 days ago I spotted my first miniscule bean, and felt really proud! image  But since then, absolutely nothing - just dead flowers on the ground. image  Bees don't seem to be visiting, even though I have planted some sweet peas with the runners and there are single dahlias and roses nearby.  Any suggestions?

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190

    They need gallons of water in this drought, thats probably the problem. I think most people are in the same boat at the moment. You could spray them.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • ItalophileItalophile Posts: 1,731

    Yup. Don't let them dry out when flowering.

  • happycottontailhappycottontail Posts: 394

    I've started giving them a good soak twice instead of once a day, and have also misted the flowers, so we'll see what happens!  I'll let you know .....

  • happycottontailhappycottontail Posts: 394

    Am pleased to report that eventually I had a bumper crop of runner beans and twining stems reaching up to the half landing window! (see photo).  I've left a few to mature on the plant for beans to plant next year.  Do you have to wait till the pods turn brown before picking, and how long does that take?  Most of the leaves have now dried/dropped off.  Should I continue watering until the pods are ready to harvest?

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  • PLSPLS Posts: 3
    I also have flowers but no beans. I don’t think they have dried out but I read that if temperatures are over 15C for more than 2 nights they will be stressed. That may be the cause but can I do anything to get them to recover. They are planted in my poly tunnel never had this problem before and new seed not saved.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,110
    They need lots of insects to pollinate them … I’ve never found them successful in a poly tunnel …

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





  • PLSPLS Posts: 3
    The poly tunnel is well ventilated on all sides and manages to attract loads cabbage white lol I have had success in the past
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,687
    Some years ago friends told us about the bees getting to the nectar by piercing through the base of the flower and so not going inside and therefore pollination doesn't take place.
    Could this be happening with your flowers?
  • PLSPLS Posts: 3
    That’s an interesting thought. I have upped the watering an misting flowers and today I have 3 tiny pods - fingers crossed I will have a glut soon thanks to replied.
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