What are my runner beans doing?

[Anthonyox10]

So im growing runner beans that are looking good hiwever im somewhat confused still!

I have lots of lovely bright red flowers on them, however tofay i noticed that some of them had died and dropped off leaving just a stem behind? Surely there should be a bean growing in their place?

Or am i missing something?

[Bigmallly]

It all depends if they have been pollinated Anthony. If not, they will just drop off.

[Potstubsdustbins]

No that's where the bean should be if the flower has been pollinated.

However it's not unusual to have this happen when the season first starts. I now grow Firestorm a self pollinator but still have a few do the same thing.

Keep them well watered and hope for bees etc.

[veggiechicken]

By "stem" do you mean "baby bean"?

Like these:-

[Anthonyox10]

Ive added a photo to my post. Oh so if they arent being pollinated maybe i should give up with them

[Bigmallly]

Oh so if they arent being pollinated maybe i should give up with them

If the insects aren't pollinating them, dab over them with a small artists brush.

[veggiechicken]

No need to give up - mine aren't even flowering yet.
Similar thread for info http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ers_80476.html

[Anthonyox10]

If the insects aren't pollinating them, dab over them with a small artists brush.

Dab over what? The flowers?

[veggiechicken]

Think like a bee, Anthony
You need to flit from flower to flower, transferring pollen from one flower to another.

[Anthonyox10]

Ahh ok that makes sense lol ill try tht see if anythin improves

[Bigmallly]

Transfer pollen from the male to the female:

[Potstubsdustbins]

Don't give up you only need one bee to visit every other day and the job will be a good'un.

Some say its an old wives tale but I still spray water over the plants when the suns gone down.

[Alison]

It's early for beans yet anyway, just ignore them and in a few weeks you'll have more than you know what to do with

[Scarlet]

It's very early days yet so dont give up on them! When did the flowers drop off because the beans could be tiny? The photo is blurred so I can't tell but in a few days you may well see a bean growing. They willgive you beans right uptill Oct if the frosts hold off. You'll be sick of them by Aug

[Potstubsdustbins]

Sick of runners..... never one of my favourite veg. SWMBO even freezes them to keep me happy throughout the year.