Black seeded runner beans 3rd Generation

[Don Vincenzo]

Hello everybody
please find enclosed a photo of my black seeded runner beans. Three years ago I noticed a single runner bean plant growing in my garden. I left it alone as I noticed that it was very strong and surviving agaist many odds. To my surprise all the seeds were black, the previous year in the same spot I grew desire and red knight. The last two years I only used this seeds for my needs and i was very pleased with they performance. Last year 90% of the seeds retained their black colour and 10% reverted back to desire and red knight. It will be interesting the results for this year.
My best regards
Don Vincenzo

[nick the grief]

Hi DV,

It's not an unknown phenomena. A couple of years ago someone tried to get them registered as a new strain but it was kicked into touch in the trials as it wasn't sufficiently different ( apart from the beans being black ) and I think someone else ahd the same thing a few years earlier.

You won't make your fortune I'm afraid but if they taste nice enjoy them

[shirlthegirl43]

They are very pretty, if I liked beans I would ask if you could spare some seeds

[Earthbabe]

That sounds interesting DV. I was given some runners last year from black beans and when shelling my dried left overs recently found only one pod of seven black beans. maybe all the rest had been eaten, but I doubt it. However that said 'twasn't I wot cleared the beans away last year.

Hmmm shall note what I get from the few I have left.

[lyndap]

I've been growing a bean inherited from grandparents,plus white lady and every year for last 6 years black seeds that 'appeared'.They grow extremley well and are tasty,but dont seem to'seed' very well for you to grow the following year.Always manage to save a few,but not large quantity.

[Don Vincenzo]

I've been growing a bean inherited from grandparents,plus white lady and every year for last 6 years black seeds that 'appeared'.They grow extremley well and are tasty,but dont seem to'seed' very well for you to grow the following year.Always manage to save a few,but not large quantity.

Hi
it must be a nice feeling growing the same beans as your grandparents did. For the last two years I have been growing only the black seeded (variety) just to see if and when 99% of them remain black. I try to put a distance barrier to avoid cross pollination with other varieties as a time barrier is almost a impossibility with runner beans.
By the way it's 3.00 am I am not still smoking and I cannot sleep.........
My best regards
Don Vincenzo

[lyndap]

Yes,have to hold my breath each year and hope get enough seed to save!They actual started a generation before.Glad to hear your still not smoking.Well done.

[Don Vincenzo]

Hello everybody
please find enclosed a photo of my black seeded runner beans. Three years ago I noticed a single runner bean plant growing in my garden. I left it alone as I noticed that it was very strong and surviving agaist many odds. To my surprise all the seeds were black, the previous year in the same spot I grew desire and red knight. The last two years I only used this seeds for my needs and i was very pleased with they performance. Last year 90% of the seeds retained their black colour and 10% reverted back to desire and red knight. It will be interesting the results for this year.
My best regards
Don Vincenzo

Hi Everybody
Just thinking!!
I am also going to sow the white beans separately and wait to see what come out...maybe a zebra variety?
Regards
don Vincenzo

[Earthbabe]

Now that would be interesting DV

[vicki lorraine]

Only just found this thread.
At a seed swop at Ryton in January i picked up some black runner bean seeds. They are labeled as Churchfield Black. Does anyone have any experience of these.
Do the pods grow black or is it just the seed?

[DirtDobber]

Do you eat or use the black beans as green beans or cook them as snaps or do you dry them for later use...

[vicki lorraine]

Just says for cutting and cooking does not mention drying.
Presume i use as runner beans and cook the pods.

[Eyren]

I came across this old thread whilst Googling for info about Red Knight. Funnily enough I was planning on growing it alongside Desiree because I thought it would look pretty - but now I'm intrigued to find out if the beans are black!

Will post my results in due course...