Flowers on my runner beans but no pods?

[deltz]

My runner beans have been flowering for a long while now and once the flowers go there are no pods growing at all. Ive done some research online and some say that its either that its not being pollinated or not enough water.

Ive been giving the plants a really good hose down every day so I dont think thats the problem. I havent had much bees but there have been a few so there must of been one or two pods developing. But none?

Any Ideas?

[rustylady]

Are your beans growing in the ground, or in pots? Instead of hosing them every day, give the soil a really good soak (maybe once a week). Obviously if they are in pots you will have to water every day. Beans don't like hot dry weather.

[rana]

I have heard that temperature can affect the setting of runner bean flowers. If temps remain high the beans will flower but not set.

[Glutton4...]

Hopefully it'll cool down soon then! Mine are just beginning to flower.

[Bramble_killer]

I have heard that temperature can affect the setting of runner bean flowers. If temps remain high the beans will flower but not set.

That might be why my runners aren't setting

At least the frenchies will keep us going for a while

[Two_Sheds]

Runners like cooler weather, Frenchies are better for the heat

[deltz]

Ah mine are in pots and I do give the soil a really good soak every night. Never knew heat effected the pods to develop, guess I wont be getting any runner beans yet at this rate :P

[Jeanied]

I heard somewhere that misting the beans with water helps to set the pods - so I always water the entire bean plant, in the evenings, after watering the soil at the base.

[rana]

Misting the whole plant in the evenings has value as watering and in reducing the temperature around the beans and may well aid the setting and growth of pods.

[Veggie Mackem]

I've read this posting with great interest as I'm having the same problem, most of the early flowerings have died of without pods, however would I be right to assume that any forthcoming flowerings could still pod if the conditions are right? Another thing, this is my first shot at runners and I'm confused by the length of some of the flower shoots coming from the main stem, they can vary from 8" to 14" so I'm wondering that when poding does happen how do these shoots carry the weight of the beans??? is this normal??

[rustylady]

Another thing, this is my first shot at runners and I'm confused by the length of some of the flower shoots coming from the main stem, they can vary from 8" to 14" so I'm wondering that when poding does happen how do these shoots carry the weight of the beans??? is this normal??

Runner beans form a bean from each flower on the stalk, but the beans don't all grow at the same rate so you pick individuals when they are ready and leave the rest to grow. Therefore the weight should not be too much for the stem.

[baggyman]

Now i dont know if this is hokum but i had the same problem last year and a bloke up the lottie told me to water with a solution of water with a bit of lime in it. couple of tablespoons per 2 gallon.

[Veggie Mackem]

Hi Baggyman, this may not be hokum as my wife read this same remedy in a local newspaper last week.

[quark1]

After reading this I thought - hey that's exactly what's happening to mine - lots of healthy growth/flowers and many just dropping off. Small number of what look like black aphids on a few stems. I'm going to not be too bothered by these as they may act as pollinators if bees not in abundance.

Took the misting advice and whether by coincidence or like fruit trees and the 'June drop', I have some which have now set beanies ranging in length from half to one inch - am I excited? - you bet I am as its the first time I've tried runners and it looks like I may get a result.

Now I just have to wait a few more weeks for them to swell to eating size and remember that constant picking will ensure longer season for produce.

Thanks for asking this question and for those precious gems of info which may have solved the problem - cheers.

[quark1]

I thought I would update any 'interested parties' - the mini beans have now reached a length of around 9 inches and will be ready for harvest as soon as sufficient for 2 portions are on the plant.

So in just 13 days they have gone from scrawny little things to something worthwhile - I can't believe the rate of growth once they get going. Many, many more on the plants and the bees and hovers have found them at last.

10 weeks (21st May) from sowing to harvest - so sometimes the seed packet does not lie!