Amethyst Dwarf beans

[reetnproper]

Very excited as not only are my amethyst dwarf beans flowering - a beautiful purple flower - but today I noticed the first tiny pods forming. I planted these beans in tubs so that they could be moved into the greenhouse to protect from the frost.

Will definitely be sowing these alongside my normal green climbers next year. With the pale pink flowers of the green and the scarlet flowers of the runner beans, the glorious deep purple of this dwarf variety will make the bean border look stunning - I can't wait .

Reet
x

P.S. As promised here are some pictures taken this morning. I look to have about 6 -10 tiny beans just starting to grow but loads of flowers and more buds developing. A bit of a long shot, I know, but I hope I get some in the freezer for Santa day (see - managed to avoid the naughty word ):

[Two_Sheds]

Gosh, they're late ~ I fear you won't get any crop from them this late It's not just the cold, it's the short day length now

[reetnproper]

I know. I got the seeds late on in my garden centre - they were half price although they have a long date on them, 2013 I think from memory. I only planted a few up just to see if they might crop (was within the 'sow period' - just) and thought it was worth a try. There are a few tiny pods on them at the moment, so I may well get a handful or two, especially if I move them into the GH out of the colder air but as you say, the diminishing daylight hours is against me but I had to try

Next year I'll sow them at the normal time and, hopefully, get loads of yummy purple pods.

Reet
x

[BroadRipple]

never heard of that variety - would love to know how they taste, whenever you taste them.
i think always good to be brave and try a few very late seeds - we get so many in packets that why not, eh? maybe you'll make a major scientific discovery - purple flowers producing vast bushels of beans for your Christmas table...go on, impress us...

[northepaul]

Can you post a picture? They sound lovely

[reetnproper]

Can you post a picture? They sound lovely

I'll try and get a picture tomorrow and yes I'd love some of your spare broad bean seeds please and thank you

Reet
x

[BroadRipple]

Reet I have some too if you'd like?

[reetnproper]

Pictures now added to bottom of my OP.

{whispers very quietly} Northpaul I tried to PM you but you have to clear some stored messages apparently as you have too many

Reet
x

[reetnproper]

Well I've moved the tubs with the beans in them, into the big greenhouse to help protect them from the colder weather .

Oddly enough the ones in the tubs are three times the size of the ones in the ground. All were planted out at the same time and all were a similar size. I did think the ones in the ground would be leaps and bounds ahead of those in the tubs which is what normally happens but it hasn't worked out that way. The bed the beans are in was well fertilised last Autumn/spring and has only had Mangetout in it - guess these plants just prefer container life

Anyway, all the plants, inside and out, have beans on them and the ones in the tub are around 2 inches in length now and starting to turn purple. I was going to take some pictures today to show you but it is so damp, dark and dismal, I doubt the pictures will do the beans justice and so I'll wait until tomorrow

Looking more hopeful of some ready for freezing, quite soon. I'd love to have purple beans on my plate on a certain day in December (do I get a gold star and an honourable mention for not using 'the' word )

Reet
x

[alex-adam]

They certainly have lovely flowers. I think I might give them a try next season, I usually grow Blauhilde purple climbing bean but they turn green when cooked, apparently Amethyst retain their colour. - Keep us all posted.

a-a

[northepaul]

Pictures now added to bottom of my OP.

{whispers very quietly} Northpaul I tried to PM you but you have to clear some stored messages apparently as you have too many

Reet

x

(whispers back) just seen this message and sent you a PM - sorry Reet