Crimson flowered broadies?

[Alison]

Not tasted my crimson ones yet but they were absolutely beautiful in the border earlier this year. Even one of my non gardening friends commented on them.

[Flummery]

I am a broad bean novice - I grew standard black and white flowered ones this year, never having even eaten fresh broad beans, or seen them growing, before.

What's so special about crimson flowered ones? Is it just that they look prettier on the plot, or do they taste different too?

The beans and pods are a bit smaller and you get fewer beans to the pod (but plenty of pods) - the beans themselves are a beautiful colour - sort of jade green, and I think the flavoiur is finer. But maybe I'm just a broadie snob!

[seasprout]

I'm told they are slightly fragrant flowers, but also they succumb to Pest and disease more easily..as mine are demonstrating with black fly and chocolate spot.!

[Flummery]

Mine got blackfly far less last year. So far they haven't got any problems either but it's hard to type with your fingers crossed!

[Alison]

I'm growing 4 different varieties (inc rimson flowered) and haven't had any problem with any of them re black fly. In fact the only problems I've had have been wind related in that they got a bit battered again last week, especially now they're so heavy with pods.